Local Councillors Call for Galloway National Park Plan to Face Referendum
A group of councillors in Dumfries and Galloway are pushing for a local referendum to determine the fate of the proposed Galloway National Park. In July, SNP ministers selected Galloway as the location for Scotland’s third National Park, alongside Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms. However, the decision has sparked a divisive debate within the local community.
The No Galloway National Park (NGNP) activists have criticized the Scottish Government and NatureScot for allegedly disregarding significant local opposition to the park. The councillors are advocating for a referendum to ensure that the residents have a meaningful say in the matter and to guarantee that the National Park aligns with their desires.
The proposal for the referendum will be presented at a council meeting in Dumfries, with demonstrators expected to gather outside the council headquarters to support the call for a public vote. Despite the mounting pressure, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has already dismissed the idea of a ballot during a recent appearance before MSPs.
NatureScot is conducting a consultation on the park plans, which critics claim is biased and leans towards approval. The consultation period is set to conclude on February 14, after which NatureScot will present its findings and recommendations to the ministers in the spring.
Councillor Dougie Campbell from the Democratic Alliance Group emphasized the importance of democracy and community involvement in deciding the region’s future. He highlighted the need for the Scottish Government to uphold its values of supporting rural communities and local decision-making processes. Fellow councillor Iain Howie echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity of addressing the concerns of the community through a local referendum.
Despite the chorus of calls for a referendum, Gougeon has reiterated the government’s stance against such a measure. The Scottish Government has emphasized the importance of gathering input from all stakeholders before making a final decision on the National Park designation.
The debate surrounding the Galloway National Park reflects the broader challenge of balancing environmental conservation with community interests. As the consultation period progresses, the outcome will not only determine the fate of the park but also shape the relationship between policymakers, environmental agencies, and local communities moving forward.
As the landscape of Galloway hangs in the balance, the decision on the National Park designation will have far-reaching implications, impacting future generations and shaping the region’s identity and development. The call for a local referendum underscores the significance of democratic processes in ensuring that community voices are heard and respected in decisions that shape their future.