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Family Fun and Car Enthusiasts Unite at Dumfries Motor Show 2024

The Dumfries Motor Show 2024, sponsored by KW Kustoms, will return on Sunday, 11th August. Held at the Park Farm Showground, this event promises a day filled with a variety of activities for car enthusiasts and families alike.

The show will run from 12pm to 5pm, with free admission for children under 14 when accompanied by an adult.

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A Growing Tradition

The Dumfries Motor Show, launched in August 2015 by Andy and Katrina Wilson, has become a well-known annual event, attracting cars from across the UK. Each year, the show expands, featuring more vehicles and drawing larger crowds.

The success of the Dumfries Motor Show led to the introduction of the Ayrshire Motor Show in 2019, which has also become a popular annual event.

What to Expect at the Show

This year’s event promises an array of attractions and activities to entertain attendees of all ages. Key highlights include:

  • Stunt Show Entertainment: Featuring the thrilling Ken Fox Wall of Death, a spectacle that promises to captivate audiences.
  • Children’s Entertainment: Roadrunner, a popular children’s entertainer, will be on hand to delight younger visitors.
  • Remote Control Car Racing: Hosted by the Dumfries Model Car Club
  • Show Vehicles: A diverse display of cars, vans, trucks, motorbikes, and tractors, showcasing the passion and dedication of vehicle owners.
  • Family Activities: Bouncy castles, trade stands, and food vendors will be available to ensure a fun-filled day for all.

Book Tickets

Essential Information for Visitors

  • Car Club Bookings: Car clubs can book through two options:
    1. An admin books for all members and distributes e-tickets, including passenger tickets.
    2. Members book individually, adding the car club name to their booking to help organisers track attendance.

    Remember to send the car club logo after booking.

  • Individual Car Display: Individuals not part of a car club can also show their cars. Tickets are available on the Dumfries Motor Show website.
  • Parking: On-site parking is free. Attendees should follow signs to the show field, where marshals will direct them.
  • Public Car Park Opening Time: The car park opens at 9am, with public entry to the show starting at 12pm.
  • Dogs: Dogs are welcome if kept on a lead. Owners are requested to clean up after their pets.
  • Trade Stands and Food Vendors: Interested vendors can email [email protected] for booking information.
  • Facilities for Disabled Visitors: The site offers a disabled toilet and parking. While the area is mainly grass, there are wheelchair and scooter-friendly roads around the site.
  • General Toilets: A toilet block is centrally located for convenience.
  • Early Departure for Show Vehicles: For safety reasons, show vehicles must remain stationary until 4pm.
  • Re-entry for Spectators: Spectators who need to leave and return can inform gate staff to receive a stamp for re-entry.
  • Show and Shine Entry: Email after purchasing a show ticket to check for availability, as places fill up quickly.

For any further questions, email [email protected].

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, 11th August 2024
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (UTC+01)
  • Location: Park Farm Showground, New Abbey Road, Dumfries, DG2 7LU
  • Sponsor: KW Kustoms

The Dumfries Motor Show 2024 is set to be a delightful day of entertainment, community, and automotive admiration. Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast or a family looking for a fun day out, this event is not to be missed. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Dumfries Motor Show website.

WIN A Family Ticket To Galloway Country Fair – 10 Chances To Win!

Galloway Country Fair are giving away 10 family tickets!

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th August 2024 – Drumlanrig Castle

The annual two-day event will, once again, take place in the picturesque surroundings of Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate and celebrates all aspects of rural life. Showcasing the best of country pursuits, local craftsmanship, artisan food and drink as well as show-stopping entertainment, it’s a not-to-be-missed weekend for all the family.

Enter now for a chance to win one of 10 family tickets to the Galloway Country Fair on August 10th and 11th! Immerse yourself in the celebration of rural life with country pursuits, local craftsmanship, delicious artisan food and drink, and spectacular entertainment in the stunning setting of Drumlanrig Castle Estate.

Don’t miss this fantastic family weekend!

Book Now

 

 

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Family ticket for 2 adults and up to 3 children – Full Price £35 Ticket Valid on Saturday or Sunday

The competition closes Monday 5th Aug 2024 – The winners will be notified by email

 

Discover the Super Spaniels who utilise their innate gundog instincts to perform life changing and life-saving rolls for TV personality Chloe Fuller

The Galloway Country Fair at Drumlanrig Castle will feature a variety of events in 2024, including:

  • The Super Spaniels
  • The BMX Show
  • Ollie’s Equestrian
  • Adrian Slater Kipperridge Gun Dogs
  • Falconry Days
  • Drakes of Hazard
  • Blackstone Clydesdales carriage rides
  • The Dog Show (Sunday)
  • Drums n Roses (Saturday only)
  • Buccleuch and Queensberry Pipe Band (Saturday only)
  • Lynette Turner School of Highland Dancing (Sunday)

Poor Weather Does Not Stop Robert The Bruce Birthday Celebrations

WEATHER DOES NOT STOP ROBERT THE BRUCE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Earlier in July the Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust, in partnership with The People’s Project Dumfries, The Imaginarium and The Gallovidian Way, alongside local community groups and businesses celebrated the 750th Anniversary of the Birth of Robert the Bruce. The programme of events showcased Dumfries & Galloway’s significant role in his life and Scottish Medieval History, with a huge wave of local community support, and visitors travelling from as far as Brazil, Switzerland, Essex and Manchester to join in the celebrations despite the dreicht traditional Scottish weather, there was a tremendous turn out.

On Saturday 13th July, the celebrations took over Dumfries High Street from Greyfriars Church to Dumfries Fountain, with a host of medieval traders, historic displays, traditional crafts, medieval themed food/drink, Gallovidian inspired wares and entertainment that went down a treat with visitors as they were teleported back in time, experiencing time travelling sights, sounds, tastes and smells.

Amongst the 34 stalls in attendance, were Summerhill Community Centre’s Youth Group who in preparation for the event had been on a learning exchange with Duncarron Medieval Village, have been creating authentic costumes and learning traditional crafts with Wordsmithcrafts so they could host their own medieval trading stall ‘Crafts for the King’ at the Market.

Tom Hughes of Dumfries Museum offered his Medieval Meanders Walking Tour from Greyfriars Church, with the largest group he’s ever had, bringing to life what Dumfries would have been like in the times of the Bruce and the remnants of that history still visible today.

Audience members got to meet the Bruce Family & Friends in the Court De Brus at Plainstanes, and enjoyed live entertainment with tributes to the King being led by Clanadonia, who had the High Street bouncing with the sound of their uplifting and exuberant Scottish Tribal Music, leading the delighted audience members to get in on the action, dancing on the high street despite the rain, and joining in en masse with the drumming / percussion on many of the tunes.

Dumfries Community Choir also performed an engaging set as they performed as the modern day equivalent to the troubadours in Medieval times who brought the stories of the time to the people. They sang traditional Robert Burns ballads and modern songs which have important messages for society.

Scots Scriever Susi Briggs and Author Alan McClure performed ‘The Flytin o Bruce and the Red Comyn’ a specially created collaborative poem that explored the dynamics between the two contenders for the Scottish Crown. ‘Flytin’ was an ancient performance poetry style, similar to Modern Day rap battles. The audience was left in raptures with this captivating, insightful and expertly crafted performance.

Sarah Crome, author of ‘Scotland’s First War of Independence’ left audience members elated and engaged in enthusiastic debate after she delivered a fascinating and illuminating talk providing an insight into the history of the times of The Bruce in her talk at Greyfriars Church, described by one audience member as a ‘Masterclass’.

As well as the events on the High Street, the team behind the project and the Court De Brus were invited to the home of  Queen of the South FC at Palmerston Park to walk the players onto the pitch as part of the celebrations, which included a pitch side performance from Clanadonia prior to the start of the game – fans from both sides welcomed the Court de Brus with a roaring rendition of Flower of Scotland, and lots of requests for selfies from the sidelines.

The team behind the celebrations were delighted to see that many participants and visitors took up their invite to get into the spirit of things and turned out in Medieval dress-up to help increase their immersive experience of the event.

On Sunday 14th at Castledykes Park, there was a Living History, Storytelling and Re-enactment day delivered by the Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust and Galloway Longfhada Vikings on the site of the Old Dumfries Castle, where visitors discovered Bruce’s links to the infamous site and despite worsening  weather, they received a great turn out on the day with lots of enthralled engagement in the activities on offer.

Activities included a fully immersive Gallovidian Living History encampment with Galloway Longfhada Vikings, a re-enactment group based in Dumfries whose aim is to educate and entertain the public about early medieval times. They meet regularly to rain in combat, craft and plan events. They provided an immersive encampment with traditional crafts and combat displays that had audience members fully engaged in learning about the world of our local ancestors.

The Robert the Bruce 750 programme of events have been an incredible catalyst for bringing about community connection and change across the town with its volunteer army stepping up to do their part to ensure the town was at its best and supporting logistics across the weekend of activities. None of this would have been possible without the people power behind this project, much of which was voluntary to create a phenomenal weekend of events to celebrate the history of the region.

Liz West, Chair of the Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust stated: “It was a joy to see this weekend come together, we cannot thank everyone enough for their support and we’re even getting calls for this to become an annual event for the town! It was exciting to see our heritage come to life in this way and we even had a direct descendant of Robert Bruce, a direct descendant of William Wallace, a direct descendant of the Maxwells of Drumcoltran Tower in attendance.”

DJ McDowall of The Imaginarium and The Gallovidian Way stated:

“The overwhelmingly appreciative and supportive feedback we have received for last weekend’s events have highlighted the immense local appetite for this type of heritage engagement, the power of community collaboration, and the potential it holds for future development. Last weekend’s events have not only united diverse local groups, fostering a sense of connectivity, pride and belonging across our communities, but also significantly boosted our visitor economy, increasing profits for market traders and shop holders alike, exemplified the potential for this type of community-led tourism.
We did it The Gallovidian Way style, by the people for the people, showcasing the strength of harnessing our local heritage, community collaborations, blending local needs and visitor interests to create inclusive, meaningful experiences. Our grassroots efforts have demonstrated the extraordinary impacts we can unleash when we activate the power that lies in our local communities, proving that with our shared skills, resources, insight, unity, hope and a positive outlook, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our local communities, our local economy, and have a great time doing it!”
Mark Jardine of The People’s Project Dumfries stated: “People from all over the world descended on Dumfries for this historic celebration and they were enthralled by a magnificent programme with something for everyone.”

The team are incredibly grateful to the main sponsors and funders of the programme for their generous support: Jardine Funerals, Historic Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, Dumfries & Galloway Council and The Globe Inn.

Special thanks are also given to the project’s key collaborators: Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Club, Mostly Ghostly Tours, Dumfries Museum, D&G Heritage Service, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Wordsmithcrafts, HM Prison Dumfries, Guid Nychburris Association, Dumfries Family History Society, Galloway Longfhada Vikings, Dumfries Lions Club, Visit Scotland and The Barony of Buittle without who’s unwavering enthusiasm and support the Bruce 750 celebrations would not have been possible.

£347,015 Available In Grants In Latest Round Of Regional Fund

A funding programme worth a total of £347,015 is now open across Dumfries and Galloway.

Charities, constituted community groups, co-operatives, public sector organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises, community interest companies, and community benefit societies based within the region can all apply to round three of the region’s Community Led Local Development Fund

A Local Action Group (LAG) made up of representatives from the third, public, and private sectors will again decide what applications are successful. The LAG is supported by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway.

Applications are encouraged from rural areas, though applications will be considered from organisations based in Dumfries and Stranraer, but the majority of beneficiaries must be based outside the boundaries of the towns.

The four priorities in this round are:

  • Supporting community facilities and eligible organisations to contribute to the achievement of net zero
  • Sustaining, improving, and adding initiatives in rural communities that are most isolated, most disconnected, most in need of investment or most likely to experience inequalities
  • Helping communities to address the cost-of-living crisis and eradicate poverty for individuals and families
  • Enabling communities to carry out research, community needs assessments and feasibility studies as part of local place plan development

Small revenue grants will be available up to £5,000 and the main revenue and capital grants programme will open to applications from £5,001 up to £50,000.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 12th August. The funded activity must start no earlier than 14th October and projects must have spent their grant and completed their activity by 31st March 2025.

Harry Harbottle Chair of the LAG, said: “Whether it be problems with lack of transport denying access to jobs, dealing with hard to heat community buildings, local solutions around lack of affordable child care, or articulating community needs through place planning, we will be able to use these funds to start addressing these and other issues in settlements around Dumfries and Galloway.
“We know that communities are nimble when it comes to identifying local issues and proposals on how to deal with them and we are particularly keen to see novel ways in how these issues can be addressed.”

For more on the fund and how to apply, go to www.tsdg.org.uk/clld/

Bogie Takes Record Extending Eighth Rsac Scottish Rally Victory

Dumfries rally driver David Bogie extended his already impressive tally of RSAC Scottish Rally wins on Saturday [20 July], by taking his eighth event victory.

The former Scottish Rally Champion teamed up with Kirsty Riddick for the 78th edition of the RSAC Scottish Rally and the pairing took their Volkswagen Polo GTi R5 to an impressive win in tricky conditions. That meant Bogie’s already impressive record of seven wins was extended, standing on the top step of the event podium for a record-extending eighth time.

Northern Ireland’s Jonny Greer and co-driver Niall Burns ensured their trip across the Irish Sea was a worthwhile one, taking their Citroen C3 Rally2 to second overall, whilst Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship leader Euan Thorburn extended his advantage, taking the final podium spot in his Polo GTi R5 with Keir Beaton on the notes.

Around 80 crews gathered in Dalbeattie and the Jas P Wilson Forest Machines facility for this year’s event before heading out to tackle over 45 competitive stage miles, spread over six tests in the Dalbeattie, Kinharvie and Glengap forests.

A dry start to the day, saw Bogie make headway on the opening test, stopping the clocks four seconds faster than Greer with Thorburn a further four back, ironically each driver in the positions that they would spray the champagne in back in Dalbeattie later that afternoon. But it wasn’t as clear-cut as that.

The Kinharvie test saw Thorburn leapfrog Greer into second, but that hard work would come undone on the next when a puncture dropped the Duns driver 26 seconds to the leaders.

Greer’s scratch time on the first stage after service firmed up his second spot but it was Bogie’s unrivalled consistency in the rain that followed that saw him secure yet another victory in the Dumfries and Galloway forests. Even a penultimate stage puncture couldn’t derail his record victory, which also added to co-driver Riddick’s 2011 win alongside Jock Armstrong, and they were able to spray the champagne as winners in Dalbeattie High Street on Saturday afternoon.

Behind them, the battle raged on for the podium spots and Greer set two fastest times over the afternoon loop to secure second overall on only his second gravel outing of 2024. But it was Thorburn who fought back, and despite a further two punctures, snatched third place from Finlay Retson and Paul Beaton on the very last stage, beating them by just one second to third. A clean run from Retson wasn’t quite enough to take a podium but the third SRC point scorer was some consolation for the Polo driver.

Scott Beattie and Peredur Davies recovered from a slow start, to take fifth in their Ford Fiesta R5 whilst John Wink and Neil Shanks secured sixth overall in their Hyundai i20. Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson snatched seventh from the clutches of Dumfries driver Mark McCulloch and co-driver Michael Hendry on the very last stage in their Proton Satria.

Ian Forgan/Chris Lees took ninth whilst Hugh Brunton/Emily Easton Page rounded out the top ten. The two-wheel-drive honours went to the ultra-hard charging Robert Proudlock who took time out of his British Rally Championship campaign to contest his home rally. The Junior BRC front-runner and co-driver Steven Brown recorded a sensational 12th overall in their mighty Peugeot 208 Rally4, beating much more powerful machinery in the process.

Number one seed and 2023 rally winner Jock Armstrong ended his charge on the opening stage of the event with track control arm issues on his Skoda, whilst fifth seed, Rory Young, slipped off the road on the second test in his Polo.

Elsewhere, Tom Constantine and Tony Walker took the top spot in the MG3 Rally Challenge single-make series. The UK Armed Forces Rally Team have attended the Scottish Rally for over 60 years, with the familiar Land Rovers entertaining the crowds as usual in the forests and Martin George and Ashley Wilcox were the first crew home.

Dumfries and Galloway Council have long been loyal supporters of the rally, with this year marking the 27th anniversary of the partnership which is understood to be the longest-running partnership between a rally and a local authority anywhere in Britain. The rally forms one of the Council’s seven ‘signature events`, which cover everything from Burns Suppers to arts festivals and World Championship Ice Hockey each year.

Former winners of the event include World Rally Championship legends such Colin McRae, Ari Vatanen, Hannu Mikkola and Stig Blomqvist.

Keep up to date via social media:
www.facebook.com/scottishrally and www.twitter.com/scottishrally and the event website www.scottishrally.co.uk

Registration for Doonhamer 10k 2024 is Now Open

The annual Doonhamer 10k road race is now widely regarded as one of the region’s top running events.

 

Organised by the Dumfries Harriers it is fully certified and licensed by Scottish Athletics. The race will be held on Sunday the 25th August at 10:30am starting and finishing at the Dock Park. 

 

The stunning riverside route runs alongside the River Nith crossing it on several occasions. 

The race has a 250 capacity which is filling up fast with both local and runners from further afield. The event is chip timed  and fully marshaled and the standard entry fee of £20 (18£ for SA, EA and WA members) includes water and a bespoke eco-friendly finishers medal. This year’s edition will also see special spot prizes. 

 

The field of runners has a friendly welcoming mix of both club and recreational runners as well as first timers and the flat course is suitable for either a PB attempt or a first time 10k.

Entries can be made online up until 6pm on the 24th August@ www.entrycentral.com/doonhamer10k

Welcome Back Dan

Welcome Back Dan
Image caption: Dan Baillie (centre) new D&G CAS Stranraer Bureau Manager, with staff and volunteers.

Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS) are delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Baillie, the new manager for their Stranraer Bureau. Dan is no stranger to D&G CAS having worked with us in leadership roles 17 years ago prior to leaving to work in Police Scotland.

 

Dan said, “Re-joining D&G CAS has been a great opportunity to meet new people and to catch up with some familiar faces. It is amazing to see the growth in demand and the positive transformation that has taken place within the organisation. I am really excited to have an opportunity to be involved in helping to develop the service for the future.”

 

D&G CAS Chief Executive Officer, Phil Stewart, welcomed Dan to the Service, “Dan joins an exceptional leadership team bringing a wealth of experience with him. We are in the middle of a complete service transformation to ensure we meet unprecedented demand, coupled with flat funding, as we strive to deliver a service within budget that meets clients’ needs in the right place, at the right time and in the right way. Much has changed since Dan last worked for us, but I’m sure he will quickly find his feet to deliver a high-quality service to our clients in the west. We have a number of exciting developments to our service on the horizon, Dan will play an important role in supporting our team in Wigtownshire to achieve.”

 

 

4 And A Half Day Week Proposal For DG School Students Causes Concern

Leading public sector union UNISON has raised concerns at proposals to reduce the school week to four and a half days and the potential impact on workers with childcare commitments and other responsibilities.

 

Dumfries and Galloway Council is considering plans to close schools at lunchtime one day a week, and to extend the school day on other days so no time is lost.

 

UNISON which is the biggest union representing council workers fears it could impact on school support staff and other council employees in the authority and parents working elsewhere for a multitude of reasons.

 

J’an Andrews, secretary of the Dumfries and Galloway branch of UNISON said “We are angry that the council saw fit to request feedback in advance from school headteachers yet there are hundreds of other council workers who would also be affected, along with the wider community who haven’t been consulted yet.
“While the idea of a four-and-a-half-day week may be well received by some, we are fuming that the views of school support staff have not been included so far.
“Many school support staff have more than one job and it could be really difficult for them to maintain their working arrangements with a change in hours. Many workers are also parents and work fulltime so will face childcare issues if schools start earlier and close later.
“As far as we know the changes wouldn’t apply to nurseries or early years centres initially, so this causes further problems for families with pre-school children and children at schools if they are all on different timetables. Families have enough to juggle at the moment between working and arranging childcare without adding further complications.
“We all know that women are generally the primary carers, so they are going to be impacted the most, both council employees and parents in the community.
“We are also really worried about how this will impact on workers with health conditions and disabilities who have had reasonable adjustments made, will it be possible for these to continue with the new timetable when they are having to work longer days?
“Services to special needs pupils could also be adversely impacted with many of the staff working on temporary contracts or on a casual or supply basis. How will they be affected? And how will it impact on these children?”

UNISON also expressed concern about school transport arrangements, the risk of truancy on the proposed half day and the lack of facilities for young people when they were not at school which could lead to anti-social behaviour.

 

UNISON is issuing a survey to members about the proposed changes and potential impact.

 

For further information contact UNISON Dumfries at 01387 257393.

Scottish Land Matching Service Reaches Enquiry Milestone

SCOTTISH LAND MATCHING SERVICE REACHES ENQUIRY MILESTONE

Service that identifies farming and crofting opportunities receives its 1000th enquiry

The Scottish Land Matching Service (SLMS) has received its 1000th enquiry.

Launched by Scottish Government in 2019, the independent, free-to-use service helps facilitate restructuring within the sector by matching those looking to gain a foothold in farming and crofting with existing businesses wishing to cut down their commitment or looking to leave.

SLMS, which operates across the whole of Scotland, is run by independent advisors, Ian Davidson OBE, and Allan Young. It is hosted by NFU Scotland from its Head Office. 

Set against the backdrop of agricultural tenancy debate as part of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is at Stage 1 of the parliamentary process, SLMS is providing an increasingly vital service in providing opportunities for new entrants while supporting those at the other end of their agricultural careers.

SLMS’ Ian Davidson said: “New entrants to farming and crofting continue to find it increasingly difficult to access land and capital. With the average age of farmers and crofters in Scotland continuing to rise that is not a healthy position for the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“As we enter a period of change with challenges around future support arrangements, tackling climate change and increasing biodiversity high on the agenda, businesses should be taking stock and planning for the future. The service aims to allow parties to find the right arrangement for their situation and can include contract farming; joint ventures, share farming and tenancies.
 
“A number of arrangements are now up and running and several more are in the pipeline.
“And the fact that enquiries continue to increase shows how important the service will   continue to be.  SLMS encourages people to think ahead, particularly where they may be able to offer an opportunity for a joint venture with someone looking to progress and develop within the industry.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon was delighted with the engagement for SLMS. She said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in supporting this vital service. Initial engagement is only the first step and we need to do all we can to turn these enquiries into tangible action for farmers and crofters. It is essential that we continue to provide routes into farming and crofting for the next generation of rural workers and the SLMS is helping with this.
 
“I would encourage anyone who wishes to move out of farming but wishes to see it continue on their land to make use of this excellent service.”

 

Scottish Government Choose Galloway As Possible National Park

Galloway has been confirmed as the proposed location for Scotland’s next National Park with a further investigation to be carried out on its suitability.

The joint proposal from the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO biosphere highlights Galloway’s diverse landscapes and stunning coastline, its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.

Local residents, communities, businesses and interested parties will be invited to get involved and share their views on whether Galloway should become a new national park and where the boundary for the new park should be drawn.

NatureScot will conduct the public consultation and investigation into whether Galloway should join Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Cairngorms before submitting its findings to Ministers in April next year.

During a visit to Shambellie House within the proposed new park, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“After carefully considering all of the nominations we received, I am very pleased that we are proposing to create a new National Park for Scotland in Galloway. The proposal is community led, has the backing of many local businesses and makes a strong case on the benefits that national park status will bring for people who live in the area, for the local economy and for the environment.
“At this stage it is still a proposal.  NatureScot will now lead a consultation with local people, communities and businesses to gauge support and to look at specifics like the proposed boundary, and how it should take account of local circumstances and help to meet the needs of communities.
“We received nominations for new National Parks from some really special places – Lochaber, Loch Awe, Scottish Borders and Tay Forest.  I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard on these proposals and all other communities who came together to explore the idea of a new National Park.  The competition was extremely tough and the bids have clearly shown the outstanding natural and cultural heritage we have in Scotland, as well as people’s ambitions for the rural communities they live in.”
NFU Scotland will continue to oppose Scottish Government proposals for Galloway to become a new national park.  
Dumfriesshire, Stewartry, Wigtownshire, East and South Ayrshire could be impacted by the proposal and NFU Scotland reassures all farmers in the area that it will continue to represent their views in the forthcoming consultation process.
Vice President Alasdair Macnab said: “NFU Scotland views the creation of a new national park in Scotland as unacceptable, a view supported by 93 per cent of our members, and I can reassure our farmers in the Galloway area that we will continue to support your opposition every step of the way.
“Based on the experience of many farmers and crofters currently living and working in either the Cairngorms National Park or the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, it is clear that existing parks have failed to make a positive contribution to farming and crofting. The consultation process now starting must be transparent, credible and inclusive – which it has not been in Galloway to date.”
Specifically, NFU Scotland is concerned that a new National Park in Galloway will impact:
  • Planning – Galloway is a highly productive agricultural area and our members are concerned that a new Galloway National Park will increase bureaucracy and stifle innovation.
  • Access – Increased access-related issues (livestock worrying, antisocial behaviour, littering) will cause more practical, emotional and financial stress for our food producers.
  • Transport – In Dumfries and Galloway, extremely limited public transport is not fit for the existing local population and would not support increased visitor numbers. The existing road infrastructure based on the A75 and the A77 would not sustain the increase in visitor numbers alongside existing Euro route freight, agricultural and rural business traffic.
  • Housing – Increased visitor numbers could price out the local population. There is already a lack of affordable rural housing for young local people in the Dumfries and Galloway area. In addition, farm and rural businesses across the proposed area struggle to secure labour currently and the reduction in available housing is a further threat.
  • Regulation – Farmers and land managers will be working with the new Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill and the Biodiversity Strategy and a new National Park designation will add a further layer of bureaucracy.
  • Rural economy – Prioritising tourism and visitor access over farming and crofting businesses in Galloway will be to the detriment of the rural economy and the natural environment.
Mr Macnab added: “Agricultural and food production and what agricultural businesses deliver to the rural economy must be central in any future decision about a possible Galloway National Park.
“Scottish Government must bring forward independent evidence of the value that the existing National Parks bring to farmers and the local community. In addition, a robust case to demonstrate why the National Park outcomes cannot be achieved by other existing funding programmes such as VisitScotland and regional enterprise bodies, such as South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE) must be provided.
“Given the importance of the rural economy to the area, those who live and work within the proposed Galloway area deserve a platform for economic growth and development, and not be pickled in aspic by top tier rules and regulations driven by National Park requirements.”

Rob Lucas, Chair of Galloway National Park Association said:

“This is fantastic news that the case for Galloway to be proposed as Scotland’s third National Park has been recognised. It would bring transformational  economic and environmental benefits to the area and strengthen our local communities.
“We are grateful to the thousands who attended events and shared their views over the last seven years which helped to shape our bid. We look forward to contributing actively to the next important step in the process for putting a National Park at the heart of a sustainable future for Galloway.”

Nature Scot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said:

“NatureScot welcomes the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs’ commission to investigate the proposed location of Galloway for Scotland’s next National Park. We are looking forward to the extensive opportunity for consultation this Reporter role demands, building on our experience with Scotland’s first two national parks.
“In preparing our advice, we will consult widely with everyone who has an interest in this special place. We will make a particular effort to meet and listen to people who live and work in the area as it is these voices which will be crucial if Scotland is to establish its third National Park that can deliver a successful partnership for people and nature.”

Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has cautiously welcomed the news that Galloway has been selected as the sole candidate to progress to the formal consideration os the area.

However the Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP insists there needs to be “intensive discussion” with the general public, local businesses and the farming sector.

 

He said: “While there are obvious economic and environmental benefits from gaining national park status it should not be regarded a forgone conclusion.
“A lot of talking needs to be done in order that people have a proper say and their opinions taken on board before a final decision is made next year.
I have been a supporter of a National Park ‘Lite’ model from Galloway for some time now. It is vital that attention is paid to how the Galloway landscape has come to be the landscape we love, and that very much includes the influence and guardianship of our farmers. We must not see additional bureaucratic burdens placed on our farming and rural businesses, instead any future designation must bring a new impetus for sustainable economic growth.”
The MSP added: “The agricultural sector has rightly raised concerns that it could lead to additional restrictions and red tape for those in the area.
“There have also been concerns that it could damage rather than improve growth and tourism potential in the area, so that needs to be examined closely. Businesses already operating within Scotland’s two national parks have previously said it can be quite a restrictive place to operate although it can bring benefits
“The reporter has much work to do to ensure that a future park is shaped by people in Galloway for Galloway, only then does it stand a chance of widespread approval. “At this time there has been no real democratic test yet of whether it’s supported by the people who live and work in the area.”

NatureScot will now prepare a report for the Scottish Parliament to review in April 2025 before ministers decide whether to make a ‘designation order’ – if approved by Parliament this would lead to the official designation of the new site.

Mr Carson said he would be ensuring that Chair professor Colin Galbraith will stick by his commitment to “consult widely” with local people during their investigation.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said he is “delighted” at the news that Galloway has been chosen as the preferred site for Scotland’s next national park.

The region was picked from a shortlist of five, following a review of criteria.

Campaigners were praised for making a “strong case” and further investigations will now be carried out to gauge Galloway’s suitability to become Scotland’s next national park.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “I am absolutely delighted with this news, and it is testament to the tenacity and dedication of campaigners that we’re now looking at Galloway being the preferred site for Scotland’s next national park.
“I have been vocal in my view that a new national park should be in Galloway, and it is a proposal that has significant public support, including from Dumfries and Galloway Council, as far back as when I chaired its economy and environment committee, and from councils in Ayrshire.
“With an internationally designated United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization biosphere, the first dark skies park in Scotland, the stunning Galloway forest, a rich mosaic of farmland that is important to delivering food security and amazing wildlife, Galloway has been a national park in waiting for years.

 

“Indeed, it is many years since a report for the Galloway National Park Association revealed that a new national park could add between 250,000 and 500,000 new visits each year to Galloway and South Ayrshire—worth £30 million to £60 million in additional spend—helping to create and support between 700 and 1,400 additional jobs to complement existing jobs in crucial sectors such as agriculture.

 

“This could be game changing for the local economy in one of the most peripheral parts of Scotland, whose challenges of low pay and outward migration of young people are well documented.”

 

Colin Smyth also paid tribute to the community-led campaigns by the Galloway National Park Association.

 

He said: “The Galloway National Park Association has been tireless in their work to keep Galloway in the running for a new national park and I will continue to support them in every way I can. The hard work starts now in developing the right boundaries and model that puts supporting the local economy at the top of the priorities for the new park.”

Background

The Scottish Government has committed to having a new National Park by 2026. Following the investigation by NatureScot, the Scottish Government will take a final decision on National Park status and draw up a designation order for further consultation, before approval by the Scottish Parliament.

As the next step on this process, Scottish Government has today published a statutory proposal and reporter requirements for a new National Park in Galloway: National Parks – Landscape and outdoor access – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The value of National Parks in Scotland | NatureScot

Galloway National Park Association

The other proposed sites were:

  • Scottish Borders National Park
  • Home – Loch Awe National Park
  • Tay Forest National Park – Perth & Kinross Council (pkc.gov.uk)
  • Pàirc Nàiseanta Loch Abair (nationalparkforlochaber.blogspot.com)

The report of the new National Parks appraisal panel and the proposal for a new National Park in Galloway have been published: National Parks – Landscape and outdoor access – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

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