AS the consultation kicked in on whether Galloway should be designated as Scotland’s third National Park, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon had a message to everyone in the area.
She said: “It is vitally important that we hear from people living and working in the area and that the people of Galloway and South and East Ayrshire have the opportunity to discuss the issues and properly consider the proposal, including whether people want a National Park in their area and, if so, what the area, functions, powers and governance arrangements should be.
“As I confirmed last week, the consultation will be extended from 12 weeks to 14 weeks to account for the consultation running over Christmas and New Year when people will understandably be busy with other things.
“I recognise the significant public interest in this proposal and am aware that there is both support and opposition. Everyone’s views will be listened to and taken into account and I would encourage everyone with an interest to engage with the consultation process in a constructive and respectful way.”
