Scottish Government say update on D&G National Park to come next Thursday
An announcement on the future of a controversial National Park proposal in Dumfries and Galloway will be made next Thursday, the Scottish Government have said.
Advisory agency Nature Scot have compiled a report on the plan, based in part on a three month long consultation with local people and businesses in Galloway, which was presented to Ministers earlier this month.
If Minister's green light the plan there'll be another round of consultation before a final decision is made. If not, it's possible the proposal could be dropped entirely.
Holyrood have confirmed that a statement will be given in Parliament next Thursday.
In a statement the Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: 'I would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation on whether there should be a new National Park in Galloway and South and East Ayrshire.
"Now that we have received NatureScot's report of the consultation findings and advice on the proposal, we have carefully considered these and will update parliament on Thursday on the next steps."
At the beginning of May one local MSP said the consultation findings, included in the Nature Scot report, showed that a majority of locals did not support the plans.
Speaking in Parliament, Finlay Carson, Conservative MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, said: "It is my understanding that there is not a majority in favour of the national park proposal and that a full designation order is unlikely to be made."
In response a Minister said: "The rural affairs secretary has to look at the results of the consultation and take them seriously. An awful lot of information is included in the consultation, and she will advise the Parliament when she is ready to do so."
Galloway was selected as the preferred option to become Scotland's newest National Park in July last year. Since then, the proposal has become highly controversial, with a campaign group opposing the plans attracting hundreds of followers on social media and protests held across the region.
Opponents have a number of concerns about the proposed park, suggesting that house prices could rise, and over tourism could put pressure on local infrastructure. The National Farmers Union has also come out strongly against the plans which it claims would negatively affect the faming community.
But those in favour believe the National Park offers a once in a generation opportunity for the region, which could attract inward investment, extra Government funding and help look after Galloway's landscape.
In February, Dumfries and Galloway Council said it was 'undecided' on whether the plans should go ahead - but ultimately, it'll be up to Scottish Government Minister's to decide.
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