THE consultation process into the proposed Galloway National Park has been extended to 14 weeks.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed there will be two extra weeks added – days before the consultation is due to kick off on November 7.
Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson had made the request amid concerns the timetable was too tight and involved the busy Christmas and New Year periods. Welcoming the move, he added: “While I still have lots of concern surrounding the consultation process, I am delighted that my request for an extension has been taken on board.”
He hopes the consultation will offer “a clearer indication” as to what the new National Park may look like and urged residents to take part. “It is important to know the full facts before deciding whether a National Park would be a good or bad thing for the area,” said the MSP.
Meanwhile, the Galloway National Park Association staged the three day exhibition for MSPs at Holyrood this week
Chairman Rob Lucas said: “Our exhibition clearly shows the tremendous gains for the region and the nation of creating a National Park in Galloway.”
