National Park in Galloway will benefit people and planet
Scotland’s third National Park will not only enhance nature in the Scottish Lowlands but will also be a big asset for the local community, says Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater MSP.
The Scottish Government’s nature agency, NatureScot, has today launched a public consultation into the functions, powers and governance of the new Galloway site.
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 the project and oversaw a lot of the process that has led to the designation.
Ms Slater said: “I was lucky enough to get to visit the site and to meet with the Galloway National Park Association and others who supported the bid. I know how hard they worked on it and the huge local enthusiasm that there was for their bid.
“The campaign to secure this park was run by and for local people who could see the potential it would have in terms of creating high-quality jobs, boosting sustainable farming and food production and securing vital new investment in nature.
“It was a cross party campaign, and was backed by local councils and MSPs from across our parliament.
“I hope that as many people as possible take part in the consultation and help us to shape the future of the site, making it a beacon for the fairer, greener Scotland that I know we can be.”
Ms Slater added: “Scotland’s two current National Parks, the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, have shown how valuable and transformative the status can be.
“Both Parks are rightly celebrated across Scotland and around the world, and are recognised for their beautiful landscapes, the opportunities they create for local people and their outstanding natural and cultural heritage.
“I am sure that Galloway National Park will have a similarly transformative impact for the local community and our planet.”