Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, has expressed her support for conducting a consultation regarding the potential establishment of Galloway National Park, rather than opting for a local referendum. Despite Dumfries and Galloway Council’s decision to urge the Scottish Government for a referendum on the matter, Gougeon highlighted the advantages of a consultation, stating that it not only seeks opinions on the desire for a national park but also explores aspects such as the area, governance, and powers of the proposed park.
The consultation on the proposal to designate Galloway as Scotland’s third National Park commenced in November under NatureScot and is set to conclude on February 14. Subsequently, councillors will convene in February to determine the local authority’s stance on the initiative. While some councillors, including Dee and Glenkens Councillor Dougie Campbell, advocated for a local referendum to allow residents to weigh in on what is considered a significant alteration to the region, others, such as Mid Galloway and Wigtown West Councillor David Inglis, supported the consultation process as a more inclusive approach.
During a recent council meeting, concerns were raised about the accessibility of the consultation documents, particularly the paper version, prompting a vote of 24 to 13 in favour of advocating for a local referendum. In response to this decision, Gougeon emphasised the importance of gathering diverse perspectives through the ongoing consultation. She encouraged all interested parties to participate and provide feedback on the proposal before the consultation deadline in February, emphasising that the consultation encompasses not only the question of establishing a national park but also deliberates on the area, governance, and powers of the potential park.
In her statement, Gougeon underscored the significance of allowing voices from Galloway, South and East Ayrshire, and beyond to engage in shaping the future of the region through the consultation process. The debate surrounding the potential Galloway National Park reflects a desire to involve the community in decision-making processes that could significantly impact the local landscape and governance.
In conclusion, the ongoing consultation offers a platform for varied perspectives to contribute to the dialogue on the establishment of Galloway National Park, underscoring the value of engaging with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive decision-making process.