National Park alternatives

Tourism development and nature restoration in Galloway are set to be explored by Scottish Government ministers following the collapse of plans for a national park.

Mairi Gougeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, recently wrote a letter to council chiefs, titled ‘Alternatives to a national park in Galloway and Ayrshire – next steps’.

It was sent to Dumfries and Galloway Council leader Stephen Thompson and chief executive Dawn Roberts, along with their counterparts in East and South Ayrshire councils.

The MSP wrote: “Following the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with the designation of a new National Park in Galloway and South and East Ayrshire, we have agreed that work to explore and develop alternative policy proposals in the area should be taken forward in the longer term.

“These could build on the findings of the Reporter investigation, taking the necessary time to reflect on an alternate approach and build support for it.”

Scottish Government ministers opted not to pursue the Galloway National Park proposal in the summer due to public opposition to the nomination.

Findings from a 14-week NatureScot consultation revealed that 54 per cent of respondents opposed the proposal, with 42 per cent of the more than 5,000 surveys returned in favour.

Following this, Dumfries and Galloway councillors demanded that the £10m of investment lost through the collapse of the Galloway National Park proposals be reinstated by the Scottish Government.

They also unanimously called for the creation of a Galloway and Forest Park Trust, with the aims of boosting tourism and the Galloway economy.

In her recent letter to council leaders, MSP Gougeon acknowledged the government Reporter’s recommendation to consider the development of a new strategic plan for the Galloway Forest Park area.

It also discussed the completion of the coastal path as a key visitor attraction for the area, “sustained investment in access and visitor management” across the area, building on the existing community-led approaches such as Whithorn and Loch Doon.

The letter also touched upon “ongoing support for the work of the Solway Firth Partnership”.

Mairi Gougeon sought a meeting with the council leaders in her letter, and stated: “As a next step, I would welcome an opportunity to hear your thoughts about potential alternative proposals in the region, including – but not limited to – the reporter’s recommendations.

“I am particularly keen to understand how existing or new partnership opportunities in the region could be developed to deliver for nature restoration, climate action, sustainable economic development and the visitor economy.”

Councillors are set to discuss the next steps forward following the rejection of the national park plans at this Thursday’s full council meeting.