DETAILS have now been published on the official consultation process for the proposed Galloway National Park.
NatureScot have set out their plans to engage on their website and have explained what they will be looking at.
Their remit is to “investigate the suitability of the area as a national park and the options for its size, powers and functions, and governance arrangements” and they say: “The reporting work will build on the nomination made by the Galloway group. This includes the proposed area for the new Park. Note that this is an indicative area only, and the area for inclusion will be one of the issues investigated in the Reporter phase.
“We will also be seeking opinions on the powers, functions and governance of the proposed park, with the aim of finding out what sort of National Park would work best in Galloway.”
Their plan also outlines the formal consultation to be undertaken, including engagement with local communities, organisations, businesses and interest groups.
This will last for 12-weeks, probably from November, and they will then provide advice to Ministers, who will decide whether to proceed.
NatureScot also stress that their work “does not necessarily mean” that the new National Park will happen and the proposal is just the start of a statutory process.
Galloway And West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson is encouraging everyone locally to take a look and then to feed in their views.
He said: “I cannot stress how incredibly important it is that the local community, businesses, including the farming and forestry sector, fully engage in this process.
“It is imperative that people living in the area make clear what vision they have for Galloway in the future and how best that can be achieved.”
He agrees with the nature agency, that any new National Park locally must be tailored to best suit the area, adding: “It is also important to repeat the fact that National Park designation is not a done deal and our ambitions may or may not be best delivered through the creation of Scotland’s third National Park.
“What this consultation will examine – and the resulting report – is the benefits, if any, to Galloway if such a National Park is ultimately desired.”
To find out more, go to www.nature.scot.
