Campaigners Welcome Scottish Parliament National Park Debate 

Galloway National Park Association has welcomed the news that the Scottish Parliament is to debate a motion by Emma Harper MSP on 11 February in support of a National Park for Galloway. 

Rob Lucas, Chair of the Association, said: We need to work together to undo the damage Covid has done to rural economies and to people’s wellbeing.

Access to the countryside was never more important than now.

Rob Lucas continued –

“A National Park in Galloway would bring huge benefits to the people of our region and the whole of Scotland. 

“There is a great deal of support for the idea and the contribution it could make to building a sustainable economy and improving wellbeing. 

“Scotland also needs to protect more land for nature in order to meet the international 30% target set to mitigate nature loss and climate change. A National Park in Galloway would go a long way towards that goal. 

“We are calling on MSPs of all parties to support Emma’s motion as a key action to help us recover from the pandemic and towards meeting the requirements of COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow later this year. 

“The Association is grateful for Emma Harper MSP bringing this motion forward and to Colin Smyth MSP and Finlay Carson MSP for backing it – continuing the cross-party support from local MSPs who have been working together to ensure a National Park for Galloway becomes a reality.” 

There are also proposals for a National Park in the Scottish Borders. Approving both would allow Scotland to immediately meet the 30% target