Plans to create Scotland’s third national park in Galloway and Ayrshire have been scrapped, the Scottish government has announced.
Galloway was last year chosen as the preferred location for the nation’s newest national park.
A public consultation was carried out by NatureScot, with local residents, communities, businesses and interested parties invited to share their views on the proposal.
Plans for the scheme – mostly in Dumfries and Galloway but also extending into parts of South and East Ayrshire – proved contentious.
Supporters argued it would put the region on the map, boost the local economy, and prevent it from becoming a “dumping ground for inappropriate windfarms”.
However, opponents claimed making it more difficult for developers to secure planning permission for projects would negatively affect economic activity in the area.
Other concerns raised included house prices potentially being pushed up, as well as the region’s ability to cope with any additional tourism.
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In an update at the Scottish parliament on Thursday, rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon told MSPs that 54% of those who engaged with the consultation opposed the plans, while 42% supported it.
Taking into account local responses alone, 57% were found to be in opposition compared to 40% in favour.
Proposal hasn’t ‘garnered sufficient local support’
Ms Gougeon said: “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.”
The MSP added: “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.
“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.”
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There are currently 15 national parks in the UK – two in Scotland, 10 in England and three in Wales.
Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park are the two north of the border.
The power-sharing Bute House Agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens in 2021 led to the Scottish government pledging that “at least one” new park would be designated by spring 2026.
Galloway saw off competition from areas in the Scottish Borders, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest.
The joint Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSABP) bid touted the area as “Scotland in miniature” with its “diverse landscapes and stunning coastline, its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage”.
What was the public consultation?
Ms Gougeon said NatureScot’s public consultation ran for 14 weeks from November 2024 until February 2025.
More than 5,000 surveys were completed and more than 1,000 people attended events that were held in relation to the plans.
Meetings were also held with local authorities and community councils, and with representatives from the farming, forestry, tourism, renewables and conservation sectors.
‘Heated debate’
Ms Gougeon said public interest in the proposal had “proven to be huge” and generated “both strong support and strong opposition”.
She added: “At times, the debate has become quite heated.”
Ms Gougeon said while the designation of a new national park will not go ahead in Galloway and Ayrshire, the Scottish government “remains committed” and will “remain open” to proposals for new national parks in the future.
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‘Devastating news’
Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell said it was “devastating news for the local community and nature”.
He added: “By scrapping plans for the third national park in Galloway, the Scottish government has slammed the door on the economic investment and new powers this designation could bring.”
David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), said the decision was a “missed opportunity to attract sustained investment in visitor management, visitor experience and visitor infrastructure”.
He added: “In deciding not to back the Galloway National Park, we call on the Scottish government to outline how, through new investment, the same sustainable economic results can be achieved.”
Campaigners ‘relieved’
Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) said it was the “right” decision.
Director of policy Stephen Young said: “The Scottish government still has an important role to play in shaping a successful future for Galloway by supporting the infrastructure and conditions that rural businesses need to thrive.
“We welcome the government’s commitment to backing the region’s long-term prosperity.”
Liz Hitschmann, co-founder of No Galloway National Park, said the campaign group was “relieved” with the decision.
She added: “There is no question Dumfries and Galloway needs investment in our infrastructure, but it did not need millions frittered away on another layer of bureaucracy which could override local wishes, and the many government-funded organisations in the area need to deliver that investment.”
