Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has welcomed the decision not to designate Galloway as Scotland’s next national park.
He said the outcome was the “right one” as the consultation process had been deeply flawed.
And the Galloway and West Dumfries MSP pointed the finger of blame at the Scottish Government.
Speaking at Holyrood, Mr Carson told MSPs: “The Government’s handling of the national park selection process has been opaque, inconsistent, and dismissive of genuine local engagement.
“Communities across Galloway invested time, energy, and hope into a process which could and should have united communities, but that process was poorly communicated and ultimately felt predetermined.
“Rather than fostering trust and collaboration, the Government’s approach has sown division and confusion. It has left many wondering whether rural voices are truly being heard in this Parliament.”
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP insisted ministers should have been clearer from the outset about the criteria and expectations.
He continued: “We could have avoided months of uncertainty and frustration. We should have had an independent review of the existing parks so that lessons could be learned.
“Now that a decision has been made, I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s commitment that the focus must shift to delivering real investment and support for Galloway—on our own terms, and with respect for the region’s unique identity and aspirations."
Given the widespread local concern over the flawed consultation process and the lack of transparency around alternative models such as the so-called 'National Park Lite', he urged Ms Gougeon to explain what specific evidence or community feedback informed your decision not to designate Galloway as a National Park—and how you intend to rebuild trust with communities who feel this process has been mishandled from the outset?"
Declaring his interest as a proud Gallovidia, born and bred in the most, historic and beautiful places in the world, last session I and others in parliament did support the campaign for a Galloway National Park “lite” that focussed on sustainable economic development – something much needed in Galloway.
The MSP added: “Sadly, however, the Bute House agreement saw Green Minister Lorna Slater hijack the creation of another national park… proposing what I would suggest would have been more aptly named a Green Nationalist Park - with central government imposing the designation on communities rather than communities asking for designation.
“As we have heard, todays outcome reflects the concerns of many local residents, land managers, and businesses who feared that national park status would impose unnecessary bureaucracy, restrict local decision-making, and fail to deliver the promised economic benefits.
What we need now is for the Scottish Government to stand on its £10M commitment and invest in established regional bodies to deliver the outcomes that are so urgently needed.
