‘We feel betrayed’, Inside the local divide over a new Scots National Park

IT was announced last week that Scotland could get a new
national park.

Following in the footsteps of the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Galloway is the proposed location for what would be the country’s third protected site.

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Chosen for its diverse landscapes, stunning coastline, outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage, the area beat the likes of Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest for the honour.

And while it would boost jobs and tourism in the area, not
everyone is pleased with the move, which some fear would
bring the NC500 effect to a peaceful corner of Scotland.

Two people from either side of the debate gave their views to The Scottish Sun on Sunday.

Today, Rob Lucas, from Galloway National Park Association says it would highlight the area.

Meanwhile, dairy farmer Colin Ferguson says locals feel
betrayed by the plan.

SAYING YES: Rob Lucas reckons a National Park will make the area prosper

WE want Galloway to be the best place in Scotland to live, work and visit.

Last week’s Scottish Government announcement that Galloway is being proposed as Scotland’s next National Park could allow that to happen.

It’s superb news for the region’s people, environment and economy.

Our group, which has 1,100 members plus young supporters and business champions from all sectors, has long campaigned for National Park status.

And this success comes thanks to the strong support we’ve received from thousands more members of the public, business owners, local councils, and MSPs and MPs of all parties.

They all recognise that Galloway’s economy has been declining for decades.

Traditional industries provide little employment, incomes are among Scotland’s lowest, our young people leave in droves.

All around the world the number of National Parks is increasing, partly because they are brilliant for using an area’s natural assets to bring prosperity.

Galloway has fantastic mountains, lakes, beaches and coastlines and we need to make the most of them.

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A National Park guarantees millions in public investment, brings business opportunities and generates jobs whilst caring for and enhancing the environment. It’s win, win, win for our people, region and nation.

It puts Galloway on the global map, providing a brilliant branding opportunity for the place and its products. We can expect a big upturn in sustainable tourism related to nature, wildlife, and outdoor sports.

It will improve health and wellbeing by allowing people of every age and ability to enjoy leisure and outdoor activities.

“It’s win, win, win for our people, region and nation.”

Rob Lucas, Galloway National Park Association

A National Park will make space for nature to recover and flourish as a key part of the area’s response to climate change. It also adds an extra dimension to the investment in agriculture and forestry.

Fresh thinking like this is warmly welcomed by the young people and families who would love to build lives here.

The government announcement fires the starting gun on the official consultation which will allow everyone to have a say on how a National Park can breathe new life into this fabulous area.

And our hope is that it leads to a Galloway National Park in 2026.

SAYING NO: Colin Ferguson says locals feel betrayed by the plans

I’M a resident, business owner and champion of my home, Galloway, where I was born, raised, work and where I’m now bringing up my own family.

While I have travelled, the area has always been my home. I’m not sure this place ever does leave you. Its landscape and people are second to none, often pitched as Scotland’s forgotten corner, but not if you’re in my company.

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So why, you might ask, am I so opposed to a Galloway National Park?

I manage a small slither of this landscape, but it’s not because as a farmer I fear change. quite the opposite.

If history tells us anything, National Parks have stifled progression and remained stuck in the past, preserving the “here and now” and not the potential.

National Parks put areas as wonderful as ours on the map, but with that comes issues.

Unfit infrastructure to cope with visitors, unaffordable and a lack of housing, more restrictive planning and added pressure on our health and educational services.

And while some will argue the Scottish Government has put a framework in place to ensure this doesn’t happen, we have received no justification on how they will ensure this.

At the same time, we have had no announcement on the budget they will invest in the area.

The campaign for the National Park was driven by a small number of older, and many retired, residents who have not consulted the region fully and, in my opinion, have not welcomed conflicting views.

If Galloway needs this, why did they struggle to get representation from those future generations who will be impacted the most by this decision?

“People here feel betrayed, unheard and ignored.”

Colin Ferguson, Galloway dairy farmer

The announcement, while highlighting there will be a consultation, is clear that Galloway is the preferred region and the consultation feels like just a tick-box exercise.

We need to make Galloway a place where people want to and can live and work, not just visit.

It needs sustainable investment that puts the community at the heart and not just the environment.

It needs to drive business growth, that brings with it a highly skilled workforce and increased employment opportunities. People here feel betrayed, unheard and ignored.