AN MSP has called for a halt in the consultation process regarding a new national park Galloway.
Finlay Carson, who represents Galloway and West Dumfries, is demanding a pause in the current consultation process amid fears it is causing great division among communities locally.
And he has written to Mairi Gougeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, voicing his concerns.
Mr Carson said: “I have some concerns around the unacceptably short timescales for pre-consultation and the fact that the full consultation period straddles the Christmas period.
“My concerns are further exacerbated by the potential for the upcoming Natural Environment Bill, which may pass new legislation relating to National Parks, going through the parliamentary process at around the same time as the Government will be considering the Galloway proposals.”
He continued: “I ask that you pause the current process for these concerns to be addressed, particularly given the concerns raised by constituents and the division this is causing in communities across Galloway.”
A meeting has been requested with the Cabinet Secretary as “practicably possible”.
NatureScot has been tasked with drawing up a report on any financial and environmental benefits that the park would bring to Galloway.
It has already begun taking evidence from various stakeholders, organisations as well as communities before finalising a report that will be submitted in April next year.
Mr Carson’s team say the proposal for a national park has split the communities with accusations of a “dirty tricks” campaign being played out with posters and banners being removed as well as comments on social media.
