Scottish Government scraps Galloway and Ayrshire national park plan

The Herald Scotland

29-05-2025

As part of the Bute House agreement which saw the SNP and the Scottish Greens form a government, it was agreed that "at least one" new national park would be created to join the Caringorms and Loch Lomond and Trossachs.
After applications were invited the shortlist was narrowed down to Galloway, the Scottish Borders, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest.
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The preferred option, which also took in areas of East and South Ayrshire, was proposed by the Scottish Government in July last year and further investigation and consultation ordered.
NatureScot was appointed to carry out the process, holding a 14 week consultation from 7 November 2024 until 14 February 2025.
Over five thousand surveys were completed and more than one thousand people attended events that were held across Galloway and South and East Ayrshire, with the respective councils also involved in the process.
Ultimately 54% of respondents were in opposition to the national park with 52% in favour, with the balance 57% to 40% when including only local responses.
As a result, Ms Gougeon announced that the government would not proceed with the proposal.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament she said: "Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation and consultation, the reporter has advised that, whilst it considers that the proposed area meets the conditions for a national park set out in the legislation, the proposal does not have sufficient clarity, nor has it garnered sufficient local support to proceed to the next stage of designation.
"We have weighed up the arguments for and against the creation of a new National Park in the area, taking full account of the potential economic, social and environmental factors, and we have come to the conclusion not to proceed with the designation of a National Park in Galloway and Ayrshire.
"I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new National Park in Galloway over many years.
"Whilst we have decided not to proceed with the designation of a new National Park in Galloway and Ayrshire in light of the consultation findings and the Reporter's conclusions, I want to stress that this Government remains committed to National Parks in Scotland and their vital leadership role in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, promoting sustainable land management and supporting the economic and social development of local communities."
The decision was welcomed in the chamber by Finlay Carson, the Scottish Conservative MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries.
He said he had supported the idea in principle but "my support changed when the Bute House agreement saw Lorna Slater impose a top-down structure which seemed more like a Green-Nationalist park".
Responding to the statement in the chamber, Colin Smyth, the Labour MSP for South Scotland, said: "For too long Galloway has been Scotland's forgotten corner.
Strong words from @colinsmythmsp on Galloway and National Park being dropped👇@heraldscotland. pic.twitter.com/HWiDyKFQow — Rebecca McCurdy (@_RebeccaMcCurdy) May 29, 2025
"Today the government has made it clear it wants to tear down the 'welcome to Dumfries and Galloway' signs and put up 'no entry' instead.
"Why is is that every idea this incompetent, useless, government touches falls apart?"
Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell said: "This decision to scrap the promised National Park for Galloway is the culmination of lack of confident political leadership and the dangerous influence of powerful vested interests.
'Scotland's two current National Parks have shown just how valuable the status can be. Communities have benefited from better management of tourism and forestry, and new investment in transport and housing.
'By scrapping plans for the third National Park in Galloway, the Scottish Government has slammed the door on the economic investment and new powers this designation could bring. This is devastating news for the local community and nature.
'Scottish communities were competing against each other last year to secure a new National Park. But now, thanks to a campaign led by vested interests and misinformation, the Scottish Government is denying all of Scotland the opportunity to benefit from a new National Park.
'Many of the Park's biggest opponents here in Holyrood once were vocal supporters of a new National Park in Scotland. The Tories backed the designation of a new National Park in both the 2016 and 2021 manifestos, even demanding the next park be in Galloway. But once again, they have sided with wealthy landowners who oppose change and lobby for their comfy status quo.
'Ultimately, it is the people of Galloway who will pay the price for this decision to scrap the National Park, and I'm sure this wasted opportunity will not be quickly forgotten by communities.'
Kat Jones, director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland said: 'The news that Galloway is no longer under consideration to be Scotland's next National Park should send a chill down the spine of everyone campaigning to make the world a better place. That a policy so popular with the public, and a designation with so much promise for the region, has been dropped, seemingly in response to a well-funded media campaign spreading fear and misinformation, is a tragedy."
Karen Blackport, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and chief executive of Bright Green Nature, said: 'By scrapping plans for a Galloway National Park, the Scottish Government has yet again proved it cannot successfully plot a path to a wilder Scotland.
"This decision undermines efforts to restore nature, protect wildlife and support resilient rural communities. Amidst a climate and biodiversity crisis, Scotland needs leadership and vision – not another retreat from meaningful action. "
Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: 'Scotland has waited for two decades for its third national park, so we are disappointed to see this major opportunity missed.
'A new Galloway National Park, if delivered well, had the potential to attract funding, promote responsible outdoor recreation and support people from all backgrounds to walk in this beautiful corner of Scotland.
'We hope that the next Parliament will work to rebuild confidence that national parks are a key part of how Scotland's finest environments can be managed for the mutual benefit of residents, visitors and nature.'