The Scottish Government has decided not to proceed with the designation of a new National Park in Galloway.

Background

The Scottish Government had intended to designate at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of the parliamentary session in 2026. Galloway was confirmed as the proposed location.

Consultation

NatureScot were appointed by the Scottish Ministers to report on the proposal for a Galloway National Park.

The consultation they carried out was “one of the largest and most challenging NatureScot has undertaken”. The key themes from the consultation were:

Support for National Park

  • the enhanced action it would deliver to protect and restore the natural and cultural heritage of the area
  • the range of economic and social benefits it could bring
  • the stronger local voice it would provide in decision making
  • the positive recognition it would bring to this part of Scotland

Arguments against

  • the potential negative economic impact of National Park status on the farming, forestry and renewable sectors
  • fears of overtourism
  • the impact on local infrastructure and services
  • concerns over the appropriateness of a National Park solution for the area

Report by NatureScot

The NatureScot report states that, while the case for a National Park in Galloway remains a strong one in terms of the conditions of the Act, their analysis of the issues raised and of the range of views expressed during the consultation suggests that the proposal has not at this stage garnered sufficient support locally. They recommended not to proceed with the designation.

They noted significant nervousness about the proposal, or direct opposition to it, across many communities and businesses which was not as evident in consultation for Scotland’s first two National Parks.

Next steps

The announcement confirms the Scottish Government remains committed to the existing National Parks, but does not mention if there could be a proposal for a new national park elsewhere in Scotland.

For Galloway, NatureScot recommend strengthening a range of existing arrangements, including:

  • a better resourced and more influential Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve
  • a renewed focus on people and nature alongside commercial forestry operations in the Galloway Forest Park 
  • a new commitment to the implementation of management strategies for the three National Scenic Areas

Contributor

Neil Collar

Partner