The Bookshop Band Urges Public to Say Yes to New National Park

·      Public consultation ends on Valentine’s Day – take part now

·      Urgent need to attract young families to live and work in region

The Bookshop Band from Wigtown, whose music has a worldwide audience, have urged the public to say Yes to a new National Park ahead of the Valentine’s Day deadline.

The NatureScot public consultation, which ends on February 14, allows the public to give their views on a proposed National Park for Galloway, South Ayrshire and East Ayrshire.

It is widely backed by residents, businesses, charities, councillors, MSPs, farmers, landowners, health experts and environmental organisations for the benefits it would bring for communities, nature and economy.

The Bookshop Band, whose music is inspired by books and literature, have recently recorded songs inspired by Scottish stories.

Ben Please, one half of the folk duo alongside his wife Beth Porter, said: “As parents with a young family we think a National Park would be a huge benefit.

“Many young people are forced to leave the area to find good career opportunities, but a National Park could help reverse this.

“This is a really special part of the world, we were drawn here both by the natural environment and also by the wonderful communities of people who live here. 

“There’s a huge number of artists, crafts people and musicians in this area. 

“A National Park could play a valuable role in ensuring that there’s the economic activity we need to help their careers prosper; to build audiences for art and music, so that we have more opportunities to work together to promote the region and its culture, old and new.

“Saying ‘yes’ to a National Park for Galloway will not only celebrate the region’s unique and irreplaceable natural landscape, but it will also give a generation of people a new platform and audience to champion the social history and cultural heritage of the region.

“We’d really encourage people to take part in the public consultation and say Yes to a National Park before it closes on Valentine’s Day.”

The band’s comments were welcomed by Galloway National Park Association Rob Lucas.

He said: “The creative community in south-west Scotland is one of its greatest assets, but many artists, makers, musicians and others are struggling.

“Likewise, we have a rapidly ageing population and urgently need to make sure that people of working age remain in the region, and that we attract new families to live and work here.

“A National Park, with all the benefits it brings, can really help through direct investment in jobs and infrastructure, helping fund community-led projects, marketing and responsible tourism or training and educational work.

“This is a chance to build a better future for our young people, and for the current population who are going to need the services and support that only come with a thriving community and economy as they grow older.”

The case for Galloway, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire

There is strong public and business backing for it to be in this region as it will bring lasting and widespread benefits by:

·       Making the most of our fabulous countryside and coastlines

·       Generating sustainable tourism

·       Creating business opportunities and jobs

·       Providing a marketing brand that will put us on a world stage

·       Attracting millions of pounds a year in investment and income

·       Combatting climate change and enhancing environmental protection

·       Improving health and wellbeing

·       Offering opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities

·       Encouraging young people to remain or return to the region.

GNPA also believes that our area is the best place for Scotland’s next National Park because:

·       It has a unique mix of rolling farmland, low hills, wild moors, mountains and coastline – adding real diversity to Scotland’s family of National Parks.

·       Unlike some parts of Scotland there is ample opportunity, and need, for an increase in sustainable tourism.

·       It offers easy access to wonderful countryside for all ages and abilities, including economically deprived communities across south-west Scotland.

Extensive public and business support for a National Park shows that the region is ready and eager to seize the opportunities it would bring.