Plans to create Scotland’s third national park in Galloway and Ayrshire have been abandoned by ministers after a lengthy and divisive public consultation revealed significant local opposition. The proposed park, which would have joined Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs as one of Scotland’s national parks, was intended to cover large parts of Dumfries and Galloway and extend into South and East Ayrshire.
Where Was the Park to Be?
Galloway was chosen as the preferred location for the new national park in July 2024, following a competitive process that saw bids from regions including Lochaber, Loch Awe, the Scottish Borders, and Tay Forest. The area is known for its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage, and supporters argued that national park status would boost the local economy and raise the region’s profile.
Why Were the Plans Abandoned?
The decision to scrap the plans followed an extensive consultation led by NatureScot, which revealed that 54% of respondents opposed the creation of the national park, while 42% supported it. Local opposition was even stronger, with 57% against and only 40% in favour.
.Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon told the Scottish Parliament:
“While there is substantial support for a National Park and what it could deliver for the southwest of Scotland, there is also significant opposition. I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new National Park in Galloway over many years.”
Ms Gougeon added that the consultation “raised some really important issues that local people care deeply about,” and that the government now has the opportunity to look at how to address these concerns.
The consultation highlighted a split in opinion: support was strongest among environmental, recreation, and tourism sectors, while landowners, land managers, and those in farming, forestry, and renewable energy expressed the strongest reservations. Concerns included the potential for increased bureaucracy, higher house prices, strain on local infrastructure, and restrictions on economic activity, particularly renewable energy development.
Galloway and West Dumfries Conservative MSP Finlay Carson, who had initially supported the plans, said the process had started to feel like a “designation imposed rather than a designation requested,” and welcomed the decision as reflecting local views.
Liz Hitschmann, co-founder of the No Galloway National Park campaign, said her group was “relieved” by the outcome, stating:
“There is no question Dumfries and Galloway needs investment in our infrastructure, but it did not need millions frittered away on another layer of bureaucracy which could override local wishes.”
The decision has been met with disappointment from environmental groups and some local campaigners. Mark Ruskell, Scottish Greens MSP, said:
“By scrapping plans for the third national park in Galloway, the Scottish government has slammed the door on the economic investment and new powers this designation could bring. This is devastating news for the local community and nature.”
David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, called the decision a “missed opportunity to attract sustained investment in visitor management, visitor experience and visitor infrastructure,” and urged the government to outline how it would achieve similar economic and environmental benefits through other means.
Looking ahead, the Scottish Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the existing national parks and has not ruled out the possibility of creating others in the future. Ms Gougeon stated:
“We now have the opportunity to look at how we can address these [local concerns].”
The government is expected to consider alternative measures to support the region’s economy and environment, but no immediate plans for a new national park elsewhere have been announced.
