Galloway National Park rejection a betrayal of people and planet
Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell has hit out at the Scottish Government and vested interests for blocking plans for a new National Park in Galloway.
The news comes following a statement in the Scottish Parliament from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon in which she announced the SNP planned to shelve the designation of the area as a protected landscape.
The proposals were a core pledge of the 2021 SNP/Green power-sharing deal. The new National Park in Galloway had wider political backing, although the Scottish Conservatives have rowed back on their previous support.
Speaking in the Chamber, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon revealed that support was greatest amongst environment, recreation and tourism sectors - whilst landowners and land managers were amongst those with the strongest reservations.
Mr Ruskell said:
“This decision to scrap the promised National Park for Galloway is the culmination of lack of confident political leadership and the dangerous influence of powerful vested interests.
“Scotland’s two current National Parks have shown just how valuable the status can be. Communities have benefited from better management of tourism and forestry, and new investment in transport and housing.
“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. This is devastating news for the local community and nature.
“Scottish communities were competing against each other last year to secure a new National Park. But now, thanks to a campaign led by vested interests and misinformation, the Scottish Government is denying all of Scotland the opportunity to benefit from a new National Park.
“Many of the Park’s biggest opponents here in Holyrood once were vocal supporters of a new National Park in Scotland. The Tories backed the designation of a new National Park in both the 2016 and 2021 manifestos, even demanding the next park be in Galloway. But once again, they have sided with wealthy landowners who oppose change and lobby for their comfy status quo.
“Ultimately, it is the people of Galloway who will pay the price for this decision to scrap the National Park, and I’m sure this wasted opportunity will not be quickly forgotten by communities.”