Scottish Land & Estates Responds to Rejection of Galloway National Park Proposal

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with a new national park in Galloway, saying the outcome reflects the views of local communities and land-based businesses who would be most affected by such a designation.

The decision follows a public consultation by NatureScot which revealed that a majority of residents in Dumfries and Galloway did not support the proposed national park.

Stephen Young, Director of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“The decision not to proceed with the Galloway National Park proposal is the right one by the Scottish Government and aligns with the clear views expressed by communities and businesses across the region.

“A majority of people in Galloway – those who know the area best – said they did not want this to go ahead. Our own survey of members revealed overwhelming opposition to the park, with 91% of respondents within the proposed boundaries and 67% in the wider area expressing concerns. These are the farmers, foresters, tourism providers and rural businesses who form the backbone of the region’s economy.

“While we are not opposed to the principle of National Parks, the Galloway proposal failed to explain what added value it would bring – particularly in the face of well-established initiatives already delivering for nature, people and the economy, such as the UNESCO Biosphere, the International Dark Sky Park and South of Scotland Enterprise.

“Although the national park proposal will not go ahead, the Scottish Government still has an important role to play in shaping a successful future for Galloway by supporting the infrastructure and conditions that rural businesses need to thrive. We welcome the government’s commitment to backing the region’s long-term prosperity.

“Scottish Land & Estates – along with our members – remains committed to working collaboratively with government and its agencies to deliver meaningful benefits for the people who live and work in Galloway.”