National Park consultation extended!

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has confirmed an extended consultation period for people to have their say on whether Galloway should be designated a National Park.

Following the Government’s proposal to establish a new National Park in Galloway, NatureScot – in its role as reporter – has been engaging with communities, businesses, public bodies and other interested parties in the Galloway area in order to seek initial views and develop more detailed proposals for consultation. That consultation is due to officially launch next week.

Consultations usually run for 12 weeks, but as this will be open over the Christmas period it has been extended to 14 weeks.

Ms Gougeon said:

“It is extremely important that we hear from people living and working in the area and that the people of Galloway and South and East Ayrshire have the opportunity to discuss the issues and properly consider the proposal, including whether people want a National Park in their area and, if so, what the boundaries should include.

"Having listened to the concerns of people that time would be tight to respond as the consultation will run over Christmas and New Year when people will understandably be busy with other things, we have extended the usual 12 week period by a fortnight to allow as many people as possible to have their say.

“I recognise the significant public interest in this proposal and am aware that there is both support and opposition.  Everyone’s views will be listened to and taken into account and I would encourage everyone with an interest to engage with the consultation process in a constructive and respectful way.”

NatureScot has an Information Hub which is a platform that offers an online hub for everyone interested in the Galloway national park proposal to learn more and share views.  It will provide a range of information about Scottish National Parks as well as news and updates on the engagement and consultation opportunities in the area. 

Most importantly, it will provide a safe space for people to share their aspirations and concerns on the proposed National Park which NatureScot will use to shape the detail of the formal consultation which will follow in November.  

Public events will be happening across the area in the coming weeks, facilitated by independent consultants on behalf of NatureScot, ensuring that people are supported to share their thoughts and opinions in a positive environment. There will be sessions within each event asking for responses on a variety of topics, as well as interactive boards and spaces and opportunities to leave anonymous feedback. Respondents can also complete a consultation leaflet in writing. 

NatureScot will then report a full account and analysis of all views expressed during its engagement and consultation to Ministers in spring next year. The Scottish Government is ultimately the decision maker on whether there will be a Galloway National Park.

NatureScot Head of People and Places, Pete Rawcliffe said:

“A new National Park in Galloway is still a proposal and not a done deal, and this is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the proposal to have their voice heard. We are committed to ensuring every aspect of this is fair, transparent and as inclusive as possible.  

“We need the communities who live and work across the south west of Scotland to take part in this consultation, and tell us what matters to them in order to make sure our advice to government is a fair reflection of the views held in their area.

“Our staff who work locally and nationally appreciate the thoughts and ideas that so many residents, communities, businesses, public bodies and other interested parties have contributed so far. This vital input, alongside our fieldwork, has helped shape the options we are now consulting on and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s ideas and feedback.”

After receiving NatureScot’s advice and consultation analysis in Spring 2025, the Scottish Government will then decide whether or not to proceed with the designation of a National Park in Galloway.  If the Government decides to proceed, it will consult further on the more detailed contents of a Draft Designation Order. The final stage of the process is the consideration of the Designation Order by the Scottish Parliament and this will include the chance for the public to provide views to constituency MSPs. The Scottish Parliament would then scrutinise the draft legislation before deciding whether to approve it. 

Image Credit: Lighthouse at Mull of Galloway, Dumfries and Galloway, by travellinglight