After yesterday’s (May 29th 2025) announcement by the Scottish Government’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, that the Scottish Government would not proceed with a proposal to designate Galloway and Ayrshire as Scotland’s third National Park, there have been many mixed reactions from local and national organisations and local politicians.
DGWGO have gathered together all the comments that we have been sent, from these organisations and people, who have very mixed opinions. we are sharing them in one article, for you to browse and make up your own minds.
In No Particular Order (These are the comments and press releases we have received) –
GSAB Reaction
The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership has responded to the publication of NatureScot’s report on the Galloway National Park proposal, which recommended that designation should not proceed but that Scottish Government should “strengthen a range of existing arrangements, including a better resourced and more influential Galloway and Southern Ayrshire [UNESCO] Biosphere”.
Patrick Wiggins, Vice Chair of the GSA UNESCO Biosphere, said:
“The last few months have seen passionate arguments both in favour of and against the creation of a new National Park for Scotland. Our position has always been that any future National Park should embrace the ethos of our UNESCO Biosphere by reflecting the voice and the views of local people, so whilst disappointed with the outcome we are pleased that NatureScot’s recommendation does exactly this. We were satisfied with the public consultation process which was accessible, thorough and transparent. Importantly from our perspective, the report offers encouragement as we look ahead to the future activity of the GSA Biosphere Partnership. We are pleased to have the vocal support of Scottish Ministers and recognition of our potential to attract investment, develop environmental protections, and help build sustainable communities in Scotland’s southwest.”
Ed Forrest, Director of the GSA UNESCO Biosphere, said:
“Throughout the consultation process we advocated for a National Park that would build on the foundations created by thirteen years of positive local engagement and project delivery with communities, business and land managers by our UNESCO Biosphere Team. While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we were pleased to have had positive feedback during the consultation and again in NatureScot’s report. As we look forward to the future, we know that the GSA Biosphere Partnership is well placed to continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of a shared and innovative vision for SW Scotland that is good for people, nature, and the regional economy.”
From NFU Scotland
NFU Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to halt proposals for a new National Park in Galloway and parts of Ayrshire. This followed widespread local opposition and strong feedback from the farming and crofting community.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon MSP, confirmed the proposal will not progress further, citing a lack of clarity and insufficient support. Acting as reporter on behalf of Scottish Government, NatureScot’s public consultation found 57% of local residents opposed the designation.
NFU Scotland played an active role throughout the consultation, voicing member concerns about potential impacts on land use, costs and governance. The Union also highlighted the strong environmental and economic contributions already being delivered by farmers, crofters and land managers in the region.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said: “We are glad that the Scottish Government has chosen to listen to local voices, including our members and not proceed with the proposed Galloway National Park.
“Farmers, crofters and land managers raised legitimate concerns around the clarity, cost and purpose of the designation. The Scottish Government has clearly recognised that there was not enough local backing for such a significant change in land management structure.
“We thank NatureScot for engaging closely with us during the process and for recognising, as we have repeatedly called for, that existing arrangements should be strengthened rather than overhauled.
“Going forward, we urge the Scottish Government to work in partnership with NFU Scotland and our members on practical projects that support biodiversity, climate action and thriving rural communities without additional regulatory burdens.”
The Union believes this decision provides an opportunity to refocus investment and support on the priorities that matter most to local people, such as improved infrastructure, housing, sustainable land management and high-quality food production, as highlighted in the parliamentary statement.
NFU Scotland remains committed to working collaboratively with Government and agencies to deliver for nature, food production and rural development across Scotland.
From Colin Smyth MSP
GALLOWAY BETRAYED AS NATIONAL PARK FUNDING AXED
Smyth: “No plan, no funding, no future – the SNP have given up on Galloway.”
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has accused the Scottish Government of betraying Galloway after failing to offer any alternative to their scrapped National Park plans—or committing to retaining the funding that would have come with them.
The local MSP hit out after Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon refused to guarantee that the more than £10 million a year typically associated with National Park status would still be invested in the region.
In a scathing exchange in the Scottish Parliament today, Mr Smyth said:
“For too long, Galloway has been Scotland’s forgotten corner—and today the Government made it clear it wants to tear down the ‘Welcome to Dumfries and Galloway’ signs and put up ‘No Entry’ instead.
“Why is it that every idea this incompetent, useless Government touches falls apart?
“Why is their only ambition for Galloway to turn the region into a dumping ground for windfarms, with no local jobs?
“The Cabinet Secretary knows she could’ve brought forward plans for Galloway that supported farming and forestry and helped them thrive. She could have built something special. Made a change for the better. Instead, she has taken the easy way out and walked away.
“The Government has failed to set out an alternative to its inaction. No plan B to fix a local economy built on low pay. No action to stop the fastest depopulation in mainland Scotland”.
Following the announcement, Colin Smyth said the SNP Government had failed to offer a single new idea to boost investment, tackle depopulation, or build a thriving rural economy in Galloway.
He is now demanding an urgent commitment from ministers to deliver the same level of investment—over £10 million a year—that would have come with National Park status, and to work with local communities on a bold new economic strategy for the region.
Mr Smyth added: “This isn’t just about ditching a National Park—this is about ditching Galloway’s future.
“£10 million a year could have helped kick start our economy, but instead of backing the region, the SNP have walked away.
“No plan, no funding, no future – the SNP have given up on Galloway.
“If they’re serious about supporting our communities, they need to put that money back on the table—now.”
From Emma Harper MSP
Emma Harper MSP said:
“I acknowledge the decision by the Scottish Government is not to proceed with the proposed National Park in Galloway and Ayrshire.
“The consultation process over recent months has shown that there just isn’t the overwhelming support from local communities that would have shown Galloway wanted to be home to Scotland’s next National Park.
“Too often the Scottish Government and its agencies are accused of not listening to the voices of the people, so I hope those accusations can be brought to a peep now that the consultation process has been shown to be open, transparent and fair, and was one of the major factors determining the Government’s decision.
“Going forward we need to strike the right balance between biodiversity, the natural environment, tourism and the economic development all of our communities are striving for regardless of their views on the park itself.
“I firmly believe that whatever views each of us held on the proposals that were on the table and expressed through the consultation process, we all collectively need to work together on how we develop Galloway economically, socially, and culturally over the years and decades ahead.
“That work would require to be done regardless of whether National Park status was a reality, but now the decision has been made it’s more relevant and urgent than ever.
We need a sustainable economy that attracts and retains people to our communities, families who keep schools in business, workers who spend in our local shops and businesses, visitors who enjoy our hospitality and breathtaking natural resources, industry that’s able to meet the challenges of the green industrial revolution, and the investment, infrastructure and planning to make these things and so many more a reality.
“Galloway has an incredible history – which is what the National Park proposals now are – and the focus for everyone now has to be to build a better future for everyone in our community.”
From The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA)
National Park Decision is a Big Loss for Communities and Nature
Supporters of a National Park are hugely disappointed that Scottish Government has abandoned its commitment to creating a new National Park in Galloway, South and East Ayrshire.
The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) believes a National Park would have brought major investment to protect and enhance nature and the environment, attract sustainable jobs and businesses, and revive communities in economic decline.
Rob Lucas, chair of GNPA, said: “This is a big loss for our countryside and wildlife, for everyone living in the region and for our entire country.
“Our disappointment is not just for the loss of a National Park, but for the whole future of Galloway which has been badly let down once again.
“Galloway and its fragile environment, communities, and economy face huge challenges that must be overcome.
“After years of neglect and decline it must now fall to those who opposed a National Park to address these issues and to do so without the certainty and money the Park would have brought.
“Although the Minister has decided not to proceed, it is clear that the spotlight has rightly been shone on Galloway which is clearly ‘on the map’ for now at least.
“We hope that any new measures put forward, although no substitute for a National Park, will enable Galloway to come together and collectively develop a brighter future for this very special area.”
From Finlay Carson MSP
Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has welcomed the decision not to designate Galloway as Scotland’s next national park.
He said the outcome was the “right one” as the consultation process had been deeply flawed.
And the Galloway and West Dumfries MSP pointed the finger of blame at the Scottish Government.
Speaking at Holyrood, Mr Carson told MSPs: “The Government’s handling of the national park selection process has been opaque, inconsistent, and dismissive of genuine local engagement.
“Communities across Galloway invested time, energy, and hope into a process which could and should have united communities, but that process was poorly communicated and ultimately felt predetermined.
“Rather than fostering trust and collaboration, the Government’s approach has sown division and confusion. It has left many wondering whether rural voices are truly being heard in this Parliament.”
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP insisted ministers should have been clearer from the outset about the criteria and expectations.
He continued: “We could have avoided months of uncertainty and frustration. We should have had an independent review of the existing parks so that lessons could be learned.
“Now that a decision has been made, I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s commitment that the focus must shift to delivering real investment and support for Galloway—on our own terms, and with respect for the region’s unique identity and aspirations.”
Given the widespread local concern over the flawed consultation process and the lack of transparency around alternative models such as the so-called ‘National Park Lite’, he urged Ms Gougeon to explain what specific evidence or community feedback informed your decision not to designate Galloway as a National Park—and how you intend to rebuild trust with communities who feel this process has been mishandled from the outset?”
Declaring his interest as a proud Gallovidia, born and bred in the most, historic and beautiful places in the world, last session I and others in parliament did support the campaign for a Galloway National Park “lite” that focussed on sustainable economic development – something much needed in Galloway.
The MSP added: “Sadly, however, the Bute House agreement saw Green Minister Lorna Slater hijack the creation of another national park… proposing what I would suggest would have been more aptly named a Green Nationalist Park – with central government imposing the designation on communities rather than communities asking for designation.
“As we have heard, todays outcome reflects the concerns of many local residents, land managers, and businesses who feared that national park status would impose unnecessary bureaucracy, restrict local decision-making, and fail to deliver the promised economic benefits.
What we need now is for the Scottish Government to stand on its £10M commitment and invest in established regional bodies to deliver the outcomes that are so urgently needed.
From John Cooper MP
John Cooper MP, pertinent to the announced scrapping of the Galloway National Park plans.
LACK of support has finished the plan to locate Scotland’s third National Park in Galloway, and MP John Cooper says he is pleased local opinion has been heeded.
‘Too often on things such as wind farms, we see local opposition bulldozed aside.
‘The consultation on a Galloway National Park was deeply flawed – it was always far too vague.
‘And while I raised right at the start questions about what weighting would be given to the opinions of those living in Dumfries & Galloway compared to those outwith, I never got a satisfactory answer,’ said the Conservative MP.
‘I was in Holyrood when Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, confirmed the Park plan is finished.
‘It was clearly not as wildly popular as the SNP / Greens thought it would be when they first cooked up the idea.
‘There were attempts to portray the “blank sheet of paper” approach of the consultation as a good thing, but it was nebulous, and led to claim and counterclaim about what a Galloway National Park might be like.
‘How could you evaluate claims for how many jobs the Park would supposedly create when there were no fixed ideas on basics such as what area it would cover?
‘Galloway is not like the other two parks – our hills have hill farms, not just hillwalkers – and no way should remote and distant National Park bureaucrats be anywhere near decisions on some of the most productive grassland in the UK.
‘Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in Dumfries & Galloway, and it’s not just about farmers and stockmen – it’s about the hundreds of jobs in associated businesses, from seed merchants to machinery firms, to accountants who do the books.’
Cooper said the lack of detail led to misinformation, and even intimidation.
‘This woolly consultation method must never be repeated by the Scottish Government on any issue.
‘I was subject to a thinly disguised threat from the Yes side because someone didn’t think I backed their side sufficiently.
‘I was warned to “moderate my language”. After over 30 years in journalism, where people make similar threats to twist stories to their liking, I know a naked attempt to shut me up when I see one.’
Cooper added that lessons from the other two parks should have been heeded. ‘Many say those Parks are expensive, bureaucratic and have not delivered promised benefits.
‘If there was money to run a third National Park – and I am not convinced there ever was – it would have been better spent on promoting Galloway as a go-to, and not a go-through, destination.
‘We need money for infrastructure, not people with clipboards dictating the size of byres, or the colour of signage.’
From RSPB Scotland
RSPB Scotland reacts to Scottish Government decision on Galloway National Park
The announcement that a new National Park for Galloway will not be going ahead is very disappointing news.
It has been over twenty years since our two existing National Parks, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the Cairngorms, were designated. Since then, these places have evolved into important landscapes both for nature and for people.
A number of RSPB Scotland’s reserves sit within National Parks, and we believe that a third National Park in Scotland – whether in Galloway or elsewhere – should be a welcome proposal that would deliver positive outcomes for nature.
Following today’s decision, RSPB Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to swiftly come forward with alternative additional measures that clearly demonstrate its commitment to restoring nature and tackling the nature and climate emergency.
Today’s news makes it even more vital that the Scottish Government’s Natural Environment Bill is the catalyst for nature’s recovery we desperately need.
From SCOTTISH REWILDING ALLIANCE
National park for Scotland announcement – response by Scottish Rewilding Alliance
In response to today’s announcement by the Scottish Government on a new national park for Scotland, Karen Blackport, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and chief executive of Bright Green Nature, said:
“By scrapping plans for a Galloway National Park, the Scottish Government has yet again proved it cannot successfully plot a path to a wilder Scotland. This decision undermines efforts to restore nature, protect wildlife and support resilient rural communities. Amidst a climate and biodiversity crisis, Scotland needs leadership and vision – not another retreat from meaningful action.
“The Scottish Government must now use the Natural Environment Bill to begin a new phase for Scotland’s national parks – ensuring that everyone can benefit from wilder national parks that can be the jewels in the crown of Scotland’s nature recovery and its journey towards becoming a Rewilding Nation.”
We will update this article with any more correspondance in regards to this matter that we receive.
