Galloway National Park proposal will not go ahead after farmers cite 'lack of benefits'

NatureScot's report said 54% of responses during the consultation process opposed the National Park proposal, while only 42% of responses supported it

Chris Brayford

29 May 2025 • 11 min read

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Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: "Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation and consultation, the Reporter [NatureScot] 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."

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has confirmed Scottish Government will not proceed with the proposal to create a third National Park in Galloway. Making a statement in Holyrood on Thursday (May...

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