Galloway has been confirmed as the proposed location for
Scotland's next National Park with a further investigation to be
carried out on its suitability.
The joint proposal from the Galloway National Park Association
and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO biosphere
highlights Galloway's diverse landscapes and stunning coastline,
its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.
Local residents, communities, businesses and interested parties
will be invited to get involved and share their views on whether
Galloway should become a new national park and where the boundary
for the new park should be drawn.
NatureScot will conduct the public consultation and investigation
into whether Galloway should join Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
and Cairngorms before submitting its findings to Ministers in
April next year.
During a visit to Shambellie House within the proposed new park,
Rural Affairs Secretary said:
“After carefully considering all of the nominations we received,
I am very pleased that we are proposing to create a new National
Park for Scotland in Galloway. The proposal is community led, has
the backing of many local businesses and makes a strong case on
the benefits that national park status will bring for people who
live in the area, for the local economy and for the environment.
“At this stage it is still a proposal. NatureScot will now
lead a consultation with local people, communities and businesses
to gauge support and to look at specifics like the proposed
boundary, and how it should take account of local circumstances
and help to meet the needs of communities.
“We received nominations for new National Parks from some really
special places – Lochaber, Loch Awe, Scottish Borders and Tay
Forest. I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard
on these proposals and all other communities who came together to
explore the idea of a new National Park. The competition
was extremely tough and the bids have clearly shown the
outstanding natural and cultural heritage we have in Scotland, as
well as people's ambitions for the rural communities they live
in.”
Rob Lucas, Chair of Galloway National Park Association said:
“This is fantastic news that the case for Galloway to be proposed
as Scotland's third National Park has been recognised. It would
bring transformational economic and environmental benefits
to the area and strengthen our local communities.
“We are grateful to the thousands who attended events and shared
their views over the last seven years which helped to shape our
bid. We look forward to contributing actively to the next
important step in the process for putting a National Park at the
heart of a sustainable future for Galloway.”
Nature Scot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said:
“NatureScot welcomes the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs'
commission to investigate the proposed location of Galloway for
Scotland's next National Park. We are looking forward to the
extensive opportunity for consultation this Reporter role
demands, building on our experience with Scotland's first two
national parks.
“In preparing our advice, we will consult widely with everyone
who has an interest in this special place. We will make a
particular effort to meet and listen to people who live and work
in the area as it is these voices which will be crucial if
Scotland is to establish its third National Park that can deliver
a successful partnership for people and nature.”
Background
The Scottish Government has committed to having a new National
Park by 2026. Following the investigation by NatureScot, the
Scottish Government will take a final decision on National Park
status and draw up a designation order for further consultation,
before approval by the Scottish Parliament.
As the next step on this process, Scottish Government has today
published a statutory proposal and reporter requirements for a
new National Park in Galloway: National Parks - Landscape
and outdoor access - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
The value of National
Parks in Scotland | NatureScot
Galloway National Park
Association
The other proposed sites were:
The report of the new National Parks appraisal panel and the
proposal for a new National Park in Galloway have been published:
National Parks - Landscape
and outdoor access - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
