A campaign has been launched against the creation of Scotland’s third national park in Galloway. The Scottish government recently selected the area as the preferred site to receive the designation, and a thorough investigation of its suitability has been promised before it joins the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in having national park status. However, opponents fear that the move could push house prices up beyond the means of many local residents and damage the rural character of the region.
If given national park status, Galloway would be the UK’s first such park created in around 15 years. The Scottish government has described the campaign to secure the status for Galloway as “community-led” and said it could play a part in tackling the “nature and climate crisis”. Supporters have added that it could bring “transformational economic and environmental benefits” to the region, but concerns about increased bureaucracy and the impact on house prices and tourism have led opponents to launch a campaign against the proposal.
Denise Brownlee, who previously lived and worked in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park as a ranger, has set up a Facebook group for people who share her view that the “worst thing we could do for the area is a national park.” It already has almost 1,000 members. Ms Brownlee said the damage caused by visitors to a national park was “unbelievable,” and that visitors could jeopardize the area’s rural character.
A report will be prepared by NatureScot for the Scottish Parliament to review in April next year. Ministers will then decide whether to make a “designation order” which would lead to the official creation of the national park. Wide consultation has been promised before any decision is made, but the public meeting in Gatehouse of Fleet – which would be within the park’s boundaries – is expected to officially launch a campaign against the move
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