Scottish Government scraps plans for Galloway national park
It comes after what has been described as 'intense lobbying' from opponents, with the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) having recorded 29 meetings with ministers and MSPs between January last year and February this year.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Gougeon said: 'While there is substantial support for a National Park and what it could deliver for the southwest of Scotland, there is also significant opposition. 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.
'I also recognise the huge amount of work and time that has been invested by a great many people throughout this process. I would like to thank everyone involved, including members of the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere."
READ MORE: National park supporters urge ministers not to scrap Galloway proposal
She added: 'The Scottish Government remains committed to our existing National Parks and the vital leadership role that they play in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, promoting sustainable land management and supporting the economic and social development of local communities. Our National Parks are achieving for people and nature.'
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.
'The Scottish Government must now use the Natural Environment Bill to begin a new phase for Scotland's national parks – ensuring that everyone can benefit from wilder national parks that can be the jewels in the crown of Scotland's nature recovery and its journey towards becoming a Rewilding Nation.'
RSPB Scotland also reacted to the decsion, stating: "Today's announcement that a new national park for Galloway will not be going ahead is very disappointing news.
"It has been over twenty years since our two existing national parks, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the Cairngorms, were designated. Since then, these places have evolved into important landscapes both for nature and for people.
"A number of RSPB Scotland's reserves sit within national parks, and we believe that a third national park in Scotland – whether in Galloway or elsewhere – should be a welcome proposal that would deliver positive outcomes for nature.
"Following today's decision, RSPB Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to swiftly come forward with alternative additional measures that clearly demonstrate its commitment to restoring nature and tackling the nature and climate emergency."
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