- Campaigners claim Galloway is the natural choice
- Region has strong public, political and business support
Campaigners in Galloway have welcomed today’s announcement on the next steps towards creating one, or more, new National Parks for Scotland.
Scottish Government Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater unveiled a public consultation on the criteria to decide whether an area could become a National Park.
The minister also said that organisations could now register an interest in having their area considered for National Park status.
Within minutes of the announcement the Galloway National Park Association registered the region’s interest.
Rob Lucas, Chair of the GNPA, said: “We welcome today’s announcement and immediately registered our interest in becoming home to Scotland’s third National Park.
“This is a goal we have been working towards for five years. Galloway’s amazing mix of moors, mountains, rolling farmlands and rugged coastlines makes it the ideal choice.
“What’s more there is strong backing from the public, from business and politicians of all parties – which is vital in ensuring the success of any new National Park.”
The case for Galloway
There is strong public and business backing for it to be in Galloway as it will bring lasting and widespread benefits by:
- Making the most of our fabulous countryside and coastlines
- Generating sustainable tourism
- Creating business opportunities and jobs
- Providing a marketing brand that will put us on a world stage
- Attracting millions of pounds a year in investment and income
- Making space for nature to recover and flourish as a key part of the area’s response to climate change
- Improving health and wellbeing
- Offering opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities
- Encouraging young people and families to remain or return to the region.
GNPA also believes that Galloway is the best place for Scotland’s next National Park because:
- It has a unique mix of rolling farmland, low hills, wild moors, mountains and coastline – adding real diversity to Scotland’s family of National Parks.
- Unlike some parts of Scotland there is ample opportunity, and need, for an increase in sustainable tourism.
- It offers easy access to wonderful countryside for all ages and abilities, including economically deprived communities across south-west Scotland.
- Extensive public and business support for a Galloway National Park shows that the region is ready and eager to seize the opportunities it would bring.
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