Dumfries and Galloway Councillors Vote To Continue National Park Process

• Fifteen councillors give a clear Yes, others say they are undecided

• Council will tell NatureScot what it would like a Park to be like

• Not a single vote to say No to a new National Park

Dumfries and Galloway councillors have voted to continue the process towards a new National Park.

Not a single councillor voted against the proposals for a new National Park.

Fifteen voiced their clear support.

The majority decision was to take a neutral stance at this stage while giving a clear response to the NatureScot consultation about what they want a Park to be like if it goes ahead.

A large number of councillors are now expected to make their own individual highly positive responses to the consultation.  

The new National Park would be in Galloway, South Ayrshire and East Ayshire.

South Ayrshire Council has already firmly supported the proposals as good for the economy, for communities and the environment.

Responding to today’s meeting Rob Lucas, Chair of The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA), said: “It’s excellent news that the council will be having a positive input into the consultation and have made it very clear that the process should continue.

“Councillors from across the political spectrum and from all Dumfries and Galloway will be contacting NatureScot to make clear that they believe a new National Park represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build a better future.

“All of them recognise that with a National Park we have the chance to help our communities and environment thrive, without it they will continue their long decline.”

In recent days local businesses, elected representatives and health experts have come forward to support the idea of a National Park.

Among them was Nick Morris, who retired as chair of NHS Dumfries and Galloway last year. Speaking in a personal capacity he said: “I believe a new National Park could help move us towards the shared goals of the NHS, Scottish Government and local authorities.”

A series of local businesses had also spoken out.

Lindsay Telfor, owner of Avocet in Newton Stewart: “If an increase in visitor numbers translated into a proportional increase in sales for a local business like ours then that can only be good for the town. This is a rare opportunity for Galloway to ditch the ‘forgotten corner’ tag and become a ‘go to’ destination.”

Anne Keith, owner of Corsbie Villa Guest House: “I’m one hundred percent behind the National Park for Galloway. It’s just what we need to extend our season which in turn will help the local economy. An opportunity like this will not come our way again so we need to grab it with both hands.”

Craig Andrews, owner of The Belted Galloway Newton Stewart: “I feel like it will bring nothing but benefit to this region encouraging visitors to come visit this wonderful corner of the country and with that the economic benefit it will bring to the region on the back of that will be good for every business. This corner misses out on investment, visitors drive straight on up past us on their way to the highlands and I feel like a national park will help redress that.”

Derek Hart, owner of the Black Horse Hotel in Newton Stewart: “I’m all for the National Park in Galloway. It will bring an increase in trade to hotels like mine which is exactly what we need. Our towns are really struggling so I fully support the proposal.”

Stephen and Sarah Donnan, Creebridge House Hotel: “National Park status would bring investment in infrastructure, making the area more accessible and improving facilities for residents and visitors alike.”

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance, SSDA, also recently published a survey showing that 66% of tourism enterprises are in favour of a National Park https://www.ssdalliance.com/destination-development/galloway-national-park-consultation/.

• The public consultation runs until 14 February and gives people and organisations the chance to help shape their own future.