Writing to Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, No Galloway National Park campaign group outlined their continued concerns surrounding the consultation and called for a halt to the process.
The letter in full:
29.01.25
Following the recent letter from Finlay Carson MSP, in which he highlighted the issues with the proposed Galloway National Park consultation and concerns from his constituents, we would support his request for the consultation to be halted.
Even before Galloway was selected as the Scottish Government’s preferred choice for a new National Park, the process has been plagued with difficulties, starting with the low public awareness of what designation would mean.
The consultation has done nothing to clarify matters, and indeed no clarity is possible because of the uncertainty surrounding the unpublished Natural Environment Bill which proposes major changes to the way National Parks operate.
As you will know, Section Seven focused on National Parks and proposed changes to aims and governance. One passage on strengthening the duties of public bodies towards a National Park is particularly relevant:
“…Public bodies operating within the National Park have an obligation to actively support and contribute to the implementation of National Park Plans, for example in relation to expanding woodland, restoring peatland and important habitats, maintaining the fabric of historic buildings, developing nature-based jobs and skills, encouraging nature-friendly farming, addressing housing needs, managing visitor pressures, improving public transport and active travel, and increasing accessibility.”
Whilst the results of this consultation have not been published, and with the Scottish Government yet to provide a timeline for introducing the Natural Environment Bill, it is troubling to think that the proposed Galloway National Park consultation is taking place within the confines of legislation already in the process of changing.
It is our view that having two legislative processes going on simultaneously will lead to further confusion, conflict and unnecessary difficulties. Ultimately, it is our community which will suffer the detrimental effects of public body mismanagement.
We have long been concerned about NatureScot’s suitability as an independent reporter, not least because its website asserts the value of National Parks in Scotland and this fundamental bias is clearly reflected throughout the consultation documents.
Despite a relatively positive recent meeting with NatureScot chair Professor Colin Galbraith, our view that the process is fundamentally flawed remains unchanged.
Residents were told their views would ‘shape’ the structure of the park, but the consultation does not meet the ‘good practice’ principles as stated in the National Standards for Community Engagement. There has been a failure to deliver leaflets as promised, scheduled events have been cancelled and there has been an over reliance on digital media. Many members of the communities in Galloway and South and East Ayrshire have still not been contacted.
In addition, the online consultation only allows one response per device, limiting the views from multiple occupation households with only one machine. If respondees do wish to respond via a paper copy, there is no freepost address, so the cost is £1.55 – equivalent to a basic sliced loaf and a pint of milk. This does not give the impression of an accessible consultation.
We urge you to call a halt to the proposed Galloway National Park consultation. Surely it cannot be deemed effective or reliable when so many issues are faced, not least the uncertain legislative changes of the Natural Environment Bill which will shape the future of National Parks.
As ever, we look forward to hearing from you and would welcome the opportunity for discussion.