Farmer concern at ‘impartiality’ of National Park consultation

NFU Scotland (NFUS) has written to the Scottish government, challenging the impartiality of NatureScot, which has this week launched the official consultation into the proposed Galloway National Park.

The letter to rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon highlights NatureScot’s established position in favour of the park, calling into question its suitability for conducting such a public consultation.

See also: Galloway national park opponents allege dirty tricks

In the letter, NFUS president Martin Kennedy wrote: “NatureScot committed to conducting its investigation in an open, transparent and inclusive way. But unfortunately, its clear bias is preventing this from happening.

“Our members in the Galloway and Ayrshire regions feel that their views are not represented, their voices are not heard, and their opinions do not matter.

“They feel the matter on whether Galloway should become a new National Park has already been decided by a small minority.”

Opposition 

A recent survey of about 2,000 NFUS members showed that 73% are against the park.

Farmers and rural stakeholders argue that the park could impose additional bureaucratic and financial burdens on local businesses, with concerns around potential impacts on farming operations and increased tourist pressure on rural infrastructure.

Farmers’ worries also include access-related challenges, such as livestock worrying, littering, and insufficient transport and housing infrastructure, which they feel may be exacerbated by the National Park designation.

But Ms Gougeon has encouraged wide participation in the consultation, which runs until 14 February 2025, and includes questions about the park’s possible boundaries, its board makeup, and even what it could be called.

“It is vitally important that we hear from people living and working in the area,” she said. 

“I recognise the significant public interest in this proposal and am aware there is both support and opposition. 

“Everyone’s views will be listened to and taken into account and I would encourage everyone with an interest to engage with the consultation process in a constructive and respectful way.”

The Scottish parliament’s Citizen Participation and Public Petition Committee is currently considering a petition to halt the creation of any future National Park in Scotland.