GALLOWAY residents can now have their say on the National Park proposal as the consultation got underway this week.
Sixteen public meetings will be held in towns and villages across the region over the next three months by NatureScot.
They will be in Newton Stewart, Wigtown, Whithorn, Port William, Dalmellington, Carsphairn, Dalry, Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse, Girvan, Kippford, Pinwherry, Stranraer, Portpatrick and Dumfries.
A spokesperson for NatureScot said: “We want to make sure there are events that work for everyone, so we have arranged a full schedule of both formal consultation events and drop-in surgeries throughout Dumfries and Galloway.
“There will be sessions within each event asking for responses on different topics, and interactive boards and spaces, as well as opportunities to leave anonymous feedback, and to complete a consultation leaflet in writing.”
The locations and times of further formal consultation events, and drop ins, will be announced between November and January.
Offering a final word as the consultation begins, Sandra McDowall, vice chair of the Galloway National Park Association, said: “This is a chance for all of us to build a brighter future – to achieve something amazing for our region.
“We want to see as many people as possible getting involved with the public consultation as this is their chance not just to win National Park status, but to shape the park and how it is run to suit the needs of the region.”
