Latest news with #GallowayNationalParkAssociation
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Galloway National Park opponents and supporters react to Scottish Government scrapping plans
Opponents say they are 'very relieved' the bid won't move forward but supporters say it is a 'big loss'. Opponents and supporters of a Galloway National Park have given their reaction to the Scottish Government's announcement that the proposal has been scrapped. The No Galloway National Park say they are 'very relieved' that the bid won't move forward. But the Galloway National Park Association have described the move as a 'big loss'. Rural Affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon announced on Thursday the idea was being binned. She said 54 per cent of people who responded to the NatureScot consultation opposed a national park and 42 per cent were in favour, with the majority of those responding from Galloway and Ayrshire. No Galloway National Park co-founder Liz Hitschmann said: 'We are very relieved the Scottish Government has recognised the strength of opposition to the imposition of a national park on our region, but the overwhelming response from local people directly affected was impossible to ignore. 'We are so grateful to all those who have supported our campaign, which from a standing start less than a year ago has steadily built momentum as people understood what a national park could really mean. 'There is no question Dumfries and Galloway needs investment in our infrastructure, but it did not need millions frittered away on another layer of bureaucracy which could override local wishes, and the many government-funded organisations in the area need to deliver that investment.' Campaign co-founder, Denise Brownlee, added: 'The Cabinet Secretary has promised a real plan for investment building on those existing structures and everyone in Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire needs to hold her to that.' Rob Lucas, the chairman of the Galloway National Park Association, was disappointed at the move. He said: 'This is a big loss for our countryside and wildlife, for everyone living in the region and for our entire country. 'Our disappointment is not just for the loss of a National Park, but for the whole future of Galloway which has been badly let down once again. 'Galloway and its fragile environment, communities, and economy face huge challenges that must be overcome. 'After years of neglect and decline it must now fall to those who opposed a National Park to address these issues and to do so without the certainty and money the Park would have brought. 'Although the minister has decided not to proceed, it is clear that the spotlight has rightly been shone on Galloway which is clearly on the map for now at least. 'We hope that any new measures put forward, although no substitute for a national park, will enable Galloway to come together and collectively develop a brighter future for this very special area.' The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership had worked on the submission that Galloway should be home to Scotland's third national park. Vice chair of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, Patrick Wiggins, said: 'The last few months have seen passionate arguments both in favour of and against the creation of a new national park for Scotland. 'Our position has always been that any future national park should embrace the ethos of our UNESCO Biosphere by reflecting the voice and the views of local people, so whilst disappointed with the outcome we are pleased that NatureScot's recommendation does exactly this. We were satisfied with the public consultation process which was accessible, thorough and transparent. 'Importantly from our perspective, the report offers encouragement as we look ahead to the future activity of the GSA Biosphere Partnership. We are pleased to have the vocal support of Scottish Ministers and recognition of our potential to attract investment, develop environmental protections, and help build sustainable communities in Scotland's south west.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scottish Government abandons plans to create national park in Galloway
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon made the announcement at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon. The Scottish Government has abandoned plans for a Galloway national park. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon made the announcement at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon. The move comes following a public consultation into the divisive issue held by NatureScot. Ms Gougeon told Holyrood: '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. 'I want to put on record my thanks to everyone who has been involved in this process. We have listened to the people of Galloway and Ayrshire. 'We have noted the views expressed by communities, organisations and businesses. We have carefully considered the advice and recommendations of the reporter. '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.' The consultation report revealed 54 per cent of people who responded opposed a national park and 42 per cent were in favour, with the majority of those responding from Galloway and Ayrshire. The issue has proven extremely divisive and controversial. The Galloway National Park Association claimed a national park would bring major investment and international attention to the region. However, the No Galloway National Park campaign had 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 were undecided on whether or not to back the idea and NFU Scotland claimed three quarters of members are against the idea. Ms Gougeon added: '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 in that process, including members of the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. 'The Galloway and Ayrshire proposal has generated a lot of debate about the role and value of national parks in Scotland more generally. "Again, 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. 'We fully recognise and appreciate that the consultation period has been a challenging time for local communities. It has also raised some really important issues that people in Galloway and Ayrshire care deeply about – from roads, affordable housing and health services to business investment, environmental protection and opportunities for young people. "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
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.'
