Galloway National Park plan should be put to local referendum, councillors claim

Local Referendum Proposed for Galloway National Park Plan

Councillors in Galloway have called for a local referendum to determine whether the proposed Galloway National Park should proceed. In July, SNP ministers selected Galloway as the location for Scotland’s third National Park, alongside Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms. However, the plan has sparked significant debate within the community, with activists from the No Galloway National Park (NGNP) group criticising the lack of consideration for local opposition by the Scottish Government and NatureScot.

A group of independent councillors from Dumfries and Galloway is now pushing for a referendum to allow residents to have a meaningful say in the decision-making process. The issue will be raised at an upcoming council meeting in Dumfries, with demonstrators expected to gather in support of a public vote outside the council headquarters. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has already dismissed the idea of a ballot during a recent appearance before MSPs.

The ongoing consultation by NatureScot on the park plans has been met with criticism, with campaigners claiming bias towards approval. The consultation is set to conclude on February 14, after which NatureScot will present its findings and recommendations to ministers in the spring. Councillor Dougie Campbell emphasised the importance of community empowerment and local decision-making in shaping the future of Galloway.

Despite the calls for a referendum, the Scottish Government has reiterated its commitment to gathering input from all stakeholders before making any final decisions regarding the National Park designation. While the debate continues, local residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation process to ensure that their voices are heard.

The proposal for a Galloway National Park has brought to light the challenges of balancing environmental conservation with community interests. As discussions unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground to address the concerns raised by local residents.

In conclusion, the push for a local referendum reflects the importance of democratic participation and community engagement in shaping policies that will have long-term impacts on the region. By allowing residents to have a meaningful say in the decision-making process, the Galloway National Park proposal can strive towards a more inclusive and transparent approach to conservation and development initiatives.