Plans to create Scotland’s third nationwide park in Galloway and Ayrshire have been scrapped, the Scottish authorities has introduced.
Galloway was final yr chosen as the popular location for the nation’s latest nationwide park.
A public session was carried out by NatureScot, with native residents, communities, companies and events invited to share their views on the proposal.
Plans for the scheme – principally in Dumfries and Galloway but additionally extending into components of South and East Ayrshire – proved contentious.
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The proposed space for Galloway Nationwide Park
Supporters argued it could put the area on the map, enhance the native economic system, and stop it from changing into a “dumping ground for inappropriate windfarms”.
Nonetheless, opponents claimed making it harder for builders to safe planning permission for tasks would negatively have an effect on financial exercise within the space.
Different considerations raised included home costs probably being pushed up, in addition to the area’s capacity to deal with any extra tourism.
In an replace on the Scottish parliament on Thursday, rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon instructed MSPs that 54% of those that engaged with the session opposed the plans, whereas 42% supported it.
Making an allowance for native responses alone, 57% have been discovered to be in opposition in comparison with 40% in favour.
Proposal hasn’t ‘garnered adequate native help’
Ms Gougeon mentioned: “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.”
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Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon. Pic: PA
The MSP added: “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 choice will probably be very disappointing for many who have been campaigning for a brand new nationwide park in Galloway over a few years.”
There are at the moment 15 nationwide parks within the UK – two in Scotland, 10 in England and three in Wales.
Cairngorms Nationwide Park and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park are the 2 north of the border.
The facility-sharing Bute Home Settlement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens in 2021 led to the Scottish authorities pledging that “at least one” new park could be designated by spring 2026.
Galloway noticed off competitors from areas within the Scottish Borders, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest.
The joint Galloway Nationwide Park Affiliation (GNPA) and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSABP) bid touted the world as “Scotland in miniature” with its “diverse landscapes and stunning coastline, its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage”.
What was the general public session?
Ms Gougeon mentioned NatureScot’s public session ran for 14 weeks from November 2024 till February 2025.
Greater than 5,000 surveys have been accomplished and greater than 1,000 folks attended occasions that have been held in relation to the plans.
Conferences have been additionally held with native authorities and neighborhood councils, and with representatives from the farming, forestry, tourism, renewables and conservation sectors.
‘Heated debate’
Ms Gougeon mentioned public curiosity within the proposal had “proven to be huge” and generated “both strong support and strong opposition”.
She added: “At times, the debate has become quite heated.”
Ms Gougeon mentioned whereas the designation of a brand new nationwide park is not going to go forward in Galloway and Ayrshire, the Scottish authorities “remains committed” and can “remain open” to proposals for brand spanking new nationwide parks sooner or later.
He added: “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.”
David Hope-Jones, chief government of the South of Scotland Vacation spot Alliance (SSDA), mentioned the choice was a “missed opportunity to attract sustained investment in visitor management, visitor experience and visitor infrastructure”.
He added: “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.”
Campaigners ‘relieved’
Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) mentioned it was the “right” choice.
Director of coverage Stephen Younger mentioned: “The Scottish government still has an important role to play in shaping a successful future for Galloway by supporting the infrastructure and conditions that rural businesses need to thrive.
“We welcome the federal government’s dedication to backing the area’s long-term prosperity.”
Liz Hitschmann, co-founder of No Galloway National Park, said the campaign group was “relieved” with the decision.
She added: “There isn’t any query Dumfries and Galloway wants funding in our infrastructure, but it surely didn’t want tens of millions frittered away on one other layer of paperwork which may override native needs, and the numerous government-funded organisations within the space have to ship that funding.”
