Galloway National Park: Consultation to continue as council members are undecided

A debate on whether Dumfries & Galloway Council supports the proposal for a Galloway National Park has ended in deadlock.

After 3 hours of talks, the council submitted a response of ‘undecided’ to the NatureScot consultation on the Park.

Campaigners for the park say they are taking it as a win. Rob Lucas, Chair of The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA), said: “It’s excellent news that the council will be having a positive input into the consultation and have made it very clear that the process should continue.

“Councillors from across the political spectrum and from all Dumfries and Galloway will be contacting NatureScot to make clear that they believe a new National Park represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build a better future.

“All of them recognise that with a National Park we have the chance to help our communities and environment thrive, without it they will continue their long decline.”

In recent days local businesses, elected representatives and health experts have come forward to support the idea of a National Park.

Among them was Nick Morris, who retired as chair of NHS Dumfries and Galloway last year. Speaking in a personal capacity he said: “I believe a new National Park could help move us towards the shared goals of the NHS, Scottish Government and local authorities.”

The public consultation runs until 14 February.