Over 200 people have signed up to the first conference of a campaign to turn around Galloway’s fortunes through National Park status.
The conference will hear the results of an extensive engagement exercise during which a group of local volunteers coordinated more than 35 meetings the length and breadth of the region.
The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) has been canvassing opinion across South West Scotland about the role that a National Park could play in tackling the challenges that the region faces over the coming decades. If there is sufficient community support for the idea, the next stage is to persuade the Scottish Government to formally consult on a “Kingdom of Galloway” National Park.
Among the conference presentations will be an analysis of community feedback so far. Speakers will also set out how a “Kingdom of Galloway” National Park could fit in with other initiatives as part of a wider regeneration of the area.
Commenting in advance of the conference, GNPA President and Chair Dame Barbara Kelly said:
‘We are very excited about welcoming so many interested individuals and supporters to our first ever conference.
‘It is vitally important we look at all the positive opportunities available to what is often described as ‘the forgotten corner’, especially in the uncertain and challenging times that are currently facing us.
‘During our engagement process, we found that the issues that matter to local people were the same across the region. Galloway’s challenges around depopulation, employment and the environment proved to be of particular concern.
‘We believe National Park status would be a huge boost for our area – and look forward to sharing our case with the conference.’
Discussion at the conference will be crucial in shaping any proposal that gets taken forward to Scottish Ministers. Should they accept the GNPA’s proposals, the government would initiate a formal consultation on National Park status.
There are still some free tickets remaining for the event which is being held at GG’s Yard near Gatehouse of Fleet on the morning of Monday 12th November. Attendees can book their place via Eventbrite www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-national-park-for-the-kingdom-of-galloway-the-way-forward-registration-49241913890
Over 200 have already signed up for the conference including local councillors and MSPs.
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