CALLS for a referendum on the creation of a Galloway National Park have been shot down at Holyrood.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon stated her opposition to the idea whilst appearing before Holyrood’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee earlier this week.
She argued that it was important to see the consultation through, as those who took part in the consultation could have their say on what the boundaries of the national park would look like.
She added: “I’m in favour more of that process because I think within that we ask people if they want a national park within that area.
“But there’s also the wider qualitative information that we’re getting out of that too.”
Galloway was announced as the preferred option for Scotland’s new national park in July. But its selection has proved divisive and a campaign has been launched against the proposal. On the other hand, those backing the move say it could help boost tourism and the region’s economy.
Ms Gougeon also told MSPs it was ‘concerning’ how divisive the proposal had proved among residents, adding: “I think there has been concern that this is a done deal, that the government had a commitment to establish a park and regardless of what happens that would be taking place anyway.
“That is by no means the case.
“As I say, I want to hear what people in the area think about it before then determining any next steps.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sawar shared his thoughts on the proposal when he met Galloway Gazette editor Fiona Reid last week.
Mr Sawar said: “We support the principle of a national park. I accept the principle of it in Galloway but I think what we need to see is a genuine partnership that can demonstrate that there are going to be good social, economic outcomes for local people, for communities and for local businesses and that style of partnership is one that I am keen to stress.”
On the consultation, he said: “I think we have to be conscious of all types of consultation processes. I think too often, and I make this about them in the round, is that quite often it feels like a government does a consultation purely so it can say it spoke to people, even though it’s already made its decision.
“It needs to be genuine consultation. There needs to be an openness. We can’t let institutions and organisations be a barrier to positive outcomes and we have got to see it as a genuine partnership.”
* The consultation, run by NatureScot, is already open and runs until 14 February.
