4 days ago
Differing reactions from farming and tourism bosses as Galloway National park Plans scrapped
NFU Scotland has welcomed the move but the South of Scotland Destination Alliance has been left deeply disappointed.
Farming and tourism bosses have offered different reactions to the decision not to make Galloway Scotland's third national park.
A report on NatureScot's consultation revealed there was great support among the environment, recreation and tourism industries, with landowners and managers as well as the farming, forestry and the renewable energy sectors having the greatest concerns.
NFU Scotland president, Andrew Cannon, said: 'Farmers, crofters and land managers raised legitimate concerns around the clarity, cost and purpose of the designation.
'The Scottish Government has clearly recognised that there was not enough local backing for such a significant change in land management structure.
'We thank NatureScot for engaging closely with us during the process and for recognising, as we have repeatedly called for, that existing arrangements should be strengthened rather than overhauled.
'Going forward, we urge the Scottish Government to work in partnership with NFU Scotland and our members on practical projects that support biodiversity, climate action and thriving rural communities without additional regulatory burdens.'
Scottish Land and Estates also welcomed the move.
The South of Scotland Destination Alliance were left disappointed by Rurual Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon's announcement.
Chief executive, David Hope-Jones, said: 'We feel this is a missed opportunity to attract sustained investment in visitor management, visitor experience and visitor infrastructure.
We represent 750+ local businesses and when consulted in the autumn of 2023, the majority of SSDA members (66 per cent) supported the idea.
'Now that the Galloway National Park has been rejected by the Scottish Government, we feel it is crucial that there is some other form of investment in the south of Scotland to support sustainable tourism and economic prosperity.
'Together, we have an ambitious South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy, developed and delivered by hundreds of local businesses and communities, with all public agencies committed. The results from this have been hugely positive and yet there has been a significant decrease in funding to support sustainable destination management and marketing.
'In deciding not to back the Galloway National Park, we call on the Scottish Government to outline how, through new investment, the same sustainable economic results can be achieved.'
Other organisations unhappy at the move included Ramblers Scotland, Protect Rural Scotland, the Scottish Campaign for National Parks, RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Rewilding Alliance.
