Latest news with #FinlayCarson
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Talks planned over Scottish Government backing for Galloway after national park plans ditched
Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson is due to meet Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon today. Talks over Scottish Government backing for Galloway now that plans for a national park have been ditched are due to take place today. Rurual Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon announced last week the process would not be continuing after a NatureScot consultation revealed a lack of local support for the area. Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson is due to meet Ms Gougeon today to discuss what happens now – with national park status estimated to be worth £10 million a year in Scottish Government funding. Mr Carson said: 'What we need is for the Scottish Government to stand by its financial commitment and invest in established regional bodies to deliver the outcomes that are so urgently needed. 'The Cabinet Secretary has already said that the focus must shift to delivering real investment and support for Galloway and I will be stressing in no uncertain terms that she must stay true to her word. 'I will also be asking her what specific evidence or community feedback ultimately prompted the decision not to proceed and designate Galloway as Scotland's third national park last week.' During her statement at Holyrood last week, Ms Gougeon said: 'I am grateful to all those who have put forward their views and perspectives on this during the consultation process and this government has listened carefully to all views expressed. 'What is important going forward is that we take note of the issues, concerns and opportunities that have been raised during the consultation process and that we place a renewed focus on delivering for the people of south west Scotland.'
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Mixed reaction from politicians to news Galloway will not become national park
The decision was slammed by Labour's Colin Smyth, while Tories Finlay Carson and John Cooper criticised the NatureScot consultation. There has been a mixed reaction from politicians to the news that Galloway will not become Scotland's third national park. The decision was slammed by Labour's Colin Smyth, while Tories Finlay Carson and John Cooper criticised the NatureScot consultation. The SNP's Emma Harper believed the decision showed the Scottish Government had listened to local people. Reacting to Thursday's announcement from Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon at Holyrood, South Scotland MSP Mr Smyth said: 'For too long, Galloway has been Scotland's forgotten corner – and the government made it clear it wants to tear down the 'Welcome to Dumfries and Galloway' signs and put up 'No Entry' instead. 'The Cabinet Secretary knows she could've brought forward plans for Galloway that supported farming and forestry and helped them thrive. She could have built something special. Made a change for the better. Instead, she has taken the easy way out and walked away. 'The government has failed to set out an alternative to its inaction. No plan B to fix a local economy built on low pay. No action to stop the fastest depopulation in mainland Scotland'. 'This isn't just about ditching a national park – this is about ditching Galloway's future.' The Tories were critical of the consultation process. Dumfries and Galloway MP, Mr Cooper, said: 'The consultation on a Galloway National Park was deeply flawed – it was always far too vague. 'And while I raised right at the start questions about what weighting would be given to the opinions of those living in Dumfries and Galloway compared to those outwith, I never got a satisfactory answer. 'There were attempts to portray the 'blank sheet of paper' approach of the consultation as a good thing, but it was nebulous, and led to claim and counterclaim about what a Galloway National Park might be like. 'Galloway is not like the other two parks – our hills have hill farms, not just hillwalkers – and no way should remote and distant national park bureaucrats be anywhere near decisions on some of the most productive grassland in the UK. 'Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in Dumfries and Galloway, and it's not just about farmers and stockmen – it's about the hundreds of jobs in associated businesses, from seed merchants to machinery firms, to accountants who do the books.' Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Mr Carson added: 'The government's handling of the national park selection process has been opaque, inconsistent, and dismissive of genuine local engagement. 'Communities across Galloway invested time, energy, and hope into a process which could and should have united communities, but that process was poorly communicated and ultimately felt predetermined. 'Rather than fostering trust and collaboration, the Government's approach has sown division and confusion. It has left many wondering whether rural voices are truly being heard in this parliament. 'We could have avoided months of uncertainty and frustration. We should have had an independent review of the existing parks so that lessons could be learned.' Naturecot's consultation revealed the majority of people who responded were from the area that would be covered by the national park, with 54 per cent of respondents against the idea. South Scotland MSP Emma Harper said: 'Too often the Scottish Government and its agencies are accused of not listening to the voices of the people, so I hope those accusations can be brought to a peep now that the consultation process has been shown to be open, transparent and fair, and was one of the major factors determining the Government's decision. 'Going forward we need to strike the right balance between biodiversity, the natural environment, tourism and the economic development all of our communities are striving for regardless of their views on the park itself. 'I firmly believe that whatever views each of us held on the proposals that were on the table and expressed through the consultation process, we all collectively need to work together on how we develop Galloway economically, socially, and culturally over the years and decades ahead. 'That work would require to be done regardless of whether national park status was a reality, but now the decision has been made it's more relevant and urgent than ever.'
The Herald Scotland
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish Government scraps Galloway and Ayrshire national park plan
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. Read More: 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. — 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.'
ITV News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
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.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scottish Government set to give major update on Galloway National Park proposal
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon will make a ministerial statement on the issue at Holyrood next week. The Scottish Government will make an announcement on the controversial Galloway National Park proposal next week. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon is set to make a ministerial statement on the issue at Holyrood on Thursday. The organisation is acting as the Scottish Government's reporter on the proposal to make Galloway the country's third national park – a matter which has proven deeply divisive. The Galloway National Park Association claims a national park would bring major investment and international attention to the region. However, the No Galloway National Park campaign has a string of concerns, including the potential for over tourism, rising house prices and whether existing infrastructure could cope with more visitors. Dumfries and Galloway Councillors are undecided on whether or not to back the idea and NFU Scotland claims three quarters of members are against the idea. Should Thursday's announcement see the Scottish Government decide to continue with the process, a further round of public consultation will follow. Galloway and West Dumfries MSP, Finlay Carson, said: 'What has resulted from this whole exercise is bitter division and anger within our communities that will potentially take years to heal. 'Neighbour turning on neighbour, good friends falling out – and above all, the creation of a great mistrust that will take a long time to heal, if ever. 'What should have been an exercise on potentially improving the quality of life in Galloway, creating employment opportunities, boosting the local economy quickly descended into nasty bickering as both camps slugged it out like heavyweight boxers. 'It is imperative that, with or without designation the Scottish Government for once steps up and supports our ignored corner of Scotland 'From the outset, I believed the consultation process to be flawed and even met with the Cabinet Secretary to discuss my grave concerns. 'My hope is that she will not have forgotten this when considering her decision.'
