Extra time given to comment on Galloway National Park plan

Scottish rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon has announced an extended consultation period for the proposal to designate Galloway as a National Park.

This extension gives farmers and crofters, residents, local businesses, public bodies, and other interested parties a full 14 weeks to participate, rather than the typical 12 weeks, accommodating the Christmas and new year holidays.

Ms Gougeon highlighted the importance of gathering input from people in Galloway, South Ayrshire, and East Ayrshire, allowing them to voice their opinions on the potential National Park, including boundary considerations.

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She noted that extending the consultation period aims to give everyone a fair chance to respond without the pressure of holiday commitments.

Ms Gougeon also acknowledged that there is both support and opposition to the proposal, and she encouraged constructive engagement throughout the consultation process.

While the Scottish government promotes the proposal as a community-led initiative backed by local businesses, it has faced significant opposition from groups such as NFU Scotland (NFUS) and Scottish Land & Estates (SLE).

Farmer backlash

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, regulatory restrictions, 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.

A recent survey of NFUS members showed that 73% are against the park.

There are concerns that the consultation process may lack transparency, with some critics suggesting the decision is already predetermined.

NatureScot, the agency leading the consultation, will continue gathering views and refining proposals, with the official launch set for next week.

The consultation process is a critical step in shaping the decision, with NatureScot expected to assess all feedback carefully before final recommendations.