The Scottish Government has announced that it will not proceed with a proposal to designate Galloway and Ayrshire as Scotland’s third National Park.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed the decision in the Scottish Parliament today, citing both significant local opposition and the recommendation of the statutory Reporter, NatureScot, who advised against the designation following a lengthy public consultation.
“While there is substantial support for a National Park and what it could deliver for the southwest of Scotland, there is also significant opposition,” Ms Gougeon told MSPs. “I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new National Park in Galloway over many years.”
She went on to thank all those involved in the bid, including the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, acknowledging “the huge amount of work and time that has been invested”.
NatureScot, tasked with carrying out the consultation and reporting to the Scottish Government, oversaw a 14-week process from November 2024 to February 2025. Over 5,000 surveys were completed and more than 1,000 people attended in-person events across the region. The final analysis showed 54% of responses were opposed to the creation of a National Park, while 42% were in favour.
The Reporter’s recommendation was not to proceed with designation but instead to focus on strengthening existing frameworks. These include increased support for the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve, a renewed emphasis on sustainable management within Galloway Forest Park, and improved strategies for the region’s three National Scenic Areas.
In her statement, Ms Gougeon reiterated the Government’s commitment to Scotland’s existing National Parks — Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the Cairngorms — and the vital role they play in tackling climate change, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development in rural communities.
The original Galloway and Ayrshire nomination was one of five submitted in response to the Scottish Government’s 2023 call for new National Park proposals. The others included Lochaber, Loch Awe, the Scottish Borders and Tay Forest.
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