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RURAL AFFAIRS SECRETARY MAIRI GOUGEON MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT THIS AFTERNOON. 15:02, 29 May 2025 The Scottish Government has abandoned plans for a Galloway national

park. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon made the announcement at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon. The move comes following a public consultation into the divisive issue held by

NatureScot. Ms Gougeon told Holyrood: “Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation and consultation, the reporter has advised that, whilst it considers that the proposed area

meets the conditions for a national park set out in the legislation, the proposal does not have sufficient clarity, nor has it garnered sufficient local support to proceed to the next stage

of designation. READ MORE: Site of demolished Dumfries town centre building to be turned into flatsREAD MORE: Stewartry property in running to be named Scotland’s Home of the Year “I want to

put on record my thanks to everyone who has been involved in this process. We have listened to the people of Galloway and Ayrshire. “We have noted the views expressed by communities,

organisations and businesses. We have carefully considered the advice and recommendations of the reporter. “We have weighed up the arguments for and against the creation of a new National

Park in the area, taking full account of the potential economic, social and environmental factors, and we have come to the conclusion not to proceed with the designation of a National Park

in Galloway and Ayrshire.” The consultation report revealed 54 per cent of people who responded opposed a national park and 42 per cent were in favour, with the majority of those responding

from Galloway and Ayrshire. The issue has proven extremely divisive and controversial. The Galloway National Park Association claimed a national park would bring major investment and

international attention to the region. However, the No Galloway National Park campaign had a string of concerns, including the potential for over tourism, rising house prices and whether

existing infrastructure could cope with more visitors. Dumfries and Galloway councillors were undecided on whether or not to back the idea and NFU Scotland claimed three quarters of members

are against the idea. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. Ms Gougeon added: “I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been

campaigning for a new National Park in Galloway over many years. "I also recognise the huge amount of work and time that has been invested by a great many people throughout this

process. I would like to thank everyone involved in that process, including members of the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. “The

Galloway and Ayrshire proposal has generated a lot of debate about the role and value of national parks in Scotland more generally. Article continues below "Again, I am grateful to all

those who have put forward their views and perspectives on this during the consultation process and this government has listened carefully to all views expressed. “We fully recognise and

appreciate that the consultation period has been a challenging time for local communities. It has also raised some really important issues that people in Galloway and Ayrshire care deeply

about – from roads, affordable housing and health services to business investment, environmental protection and opportunities for young people. "What is important going forward is that

we take note of the issues, concerns and opportunities that have been raised during the consultation process and that we place a renewed focus on delivering for the people of south west

Scotland.”