Our Bid

In October 2023 Scottish Government set out the document to be completed by all areas submitting an expression of interest  for consideration as Scotland’s next National Park.


At the same time they set out the evaluation framework – how the submissions would be assessed by Scottish Government.


The submission document and evaluation framework  determined the content of the Galloway National Park submission.


There are seven sections, each of which had a word count and specific questions within it that needed to be addressed. View the Framework.


The submission also required us to include an indicative boundary - shown below

Following the assessment of Galloway and four other expressions of interest we were delighted when the Minister Proposed to designate Galloway as a National Park. This is the start of the process as set out in the National Park (Scotland) Act 2000  The first stage of this is the public consultation which runs until the 14th Feb 2025. If the Minister is minded to progress to the next stage a further public consultation will take place on the draft designation orders.

The joint bid from GNPA and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere can viewed by following the links to each question.

  1. The area being nominated

  2. Why is the area of outstanding national importance?

  3. Why does the area warrant designation?

  4. How would designation help to meet the special needs of the area?

  5. How would designation support visitor management, sustainable tourism and access for all?

  6. How would designation bring wider benefits to Scotland and support national priorities?

  7. Evidence of local community engagement