SUPPORTERS and opponents of the Galloway National Park proposal have clashed over survey results.
This week NFU Scotland released their findings from a poll of 1983 people, showing three-quarters were against the plan.
But the Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) hit back and called the results “a foregone conclusion”.
The NFU open survey was open to all and found 73 per cent opposed the National Park bid, 16 per cent in favour and 11 per cent were undecided.
The union has described it as “the most extensive survey” in the proposed park area to date, and say it gives them a “clear mandate” to continue their opposition.
Dumfries and Galloway NFU region chair Stewart Wyllie said: “With almost 2000 responses, the majority are clearly against the National Park proposals.
“NFU Scotland continues to meet with NatureScot to establish how it will fulfil its remit as reporter and ensure the views of all are considered. We would encourage all with an interest in the proposal to visit https://newnationalparkgalloway.commonplace.is/ and have their say.
“Backed by the survey results, NFU Scotland will be using the consultation process to underline our continued opposition and work in expressing these views to NatureScot, Scottish Government and wider stakeholders.”
But the GNPA is disappointed that NFUS carried out its survey before NatureScot’s public engagement period began.
Trustee Gordan Mann said: “This important process aims to make sure that everyone is fully informed about what it would mean for the region, ahead of the formal consultation period later this year.
“Whilst the survey was open to anyone, it was promoted to their members who were told that NFUS had resolved nationally to oppose the creation of any new National Parks.
“We provided the NFUS locally with information about the potential impact on farming, planning and land management. This was not passed on to members even though it would have helped them separate fact from fiction regarding bureaucracy, planning controls and National Park powers.
“With all this in mind, the outcome was a foregone conclusion.”
Mr Mann added: “We encourage everyone to find out all they can about a potential Galloway National Park from NatureScot before making up their minds.
“This is one-off chance to benefit from major investment and should not be lost.”
