Galloway National Park will be transformative for Scotland’s nature
Scotland’s new National Park will be “transformative” for local communities and for nature, says Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater.
Ms Slater, who was responding to the Scottish Government selecting Galloway's bid to be Scotland's third National Park, said it will enhance local biodiversity and deliver vital investment while serving as a beacon for a greener Scotland.
The pledge to create at least one new National Park in Scotland by 2026 was a key commitment in the Bute House Agreement that saw Scottish Greens entering government for the first time.
As the former Minister for Biodiversity, Ms Slater led on the project and oversaw a lot of the process that has led to the designation.
Ms Slater said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has followed through on this commitment and that it is Galloway that has been chosen.
“Our National Parks are really special places that are celebrated around the world, which is why the Scottish Greens pushed so hard for this new one to be created.
“I was lucky enough to get to visit the site and speak with the Galloway National Park Association and others who supported the bid, and I know how hard they worked on it.
“All of the nominations were excellent, and this was a particularly bold vision that was based on positive and sustainable rural redevelopment and thriving biodiversity.
“This will have a transformative impact for local nature and communities, and will bring in a lot of vital investment, protections and opportunities. It will give local people, farmers and businesses the chance to build the park in their vision and serve as a beacon for a greener Scotland.
“This is a really important step in our journey to building a fairer, greener country, and I am proud that it will join our thriving and growing National Park network.
“There was considerable interest in the process, with bids from across our country, and I hope that there will be more National Parks to follow in the years ahead.”
At present, Scotland has two National Parks, The Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, which are home to some of Scotland’s most iconic nature and landscapes.