Preparations are under way for a final push which campaigners hope will see Galloway declared as Scotland’s third national park next year.
The group leading the bid, the Galloway National Park Association, has already canvassed more than 2,000 local people and organisations for support.
And now the GNPA is urging more people to take part in drop-in sessions early in the New Year ahead of the Scottish Government nominations deadline in February.
Once that milestone is passed, the government will carry out a detailed evaluation of all bids with Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater expected to announce which bid will go forward for national park designation – there may be more than one – in the summer.
Rob Lucas, GNPA convener, reckoned national park status could transform Galloway’s economic and social fortunes.
He said: “It would be an absolute game changer for a region that stubbornly remains at the bottom of the Scottish wages table.
“We are the only rural area in the bottom 10 while six other rural areas are in the top 10.
“So 2024 is crunch time – and we hope that NatureScot will advise the Scottish Government to grant national park status to Galloway so that the area can achieve its potential in providing a world-class new natural resource for Scotland.”
According to Mr Lucas, the need to address climate change and improve biodiversity means fresh economic approaches are needed to promote sustainable development.
And a Galloway National Park, he claimed, would balance the needs of nature, the environment, communities and business.
He said: “As climate change, population decline and rural poverty accelerate there is a growing recognition that it is not possible for Galloway to remain as it is.
“Galloway has a multitude of landscapes – much of it lived-in some of it wild – and it’s important for its role as a national producer of timber, dairy and livestock to be valued and developed in a way that’s sustainable.
“Our proposals can achieve these objectives which will not just benefit Galloway but can become a beacon of good practice in this country and internationally.
“The possibilities are hugely exciting and we just hope we are given the opportunity to make them a reality.”
Mr Lucas added: “Over the last six years we have spoken to large numbers of people across the park area to gather their views.
“And we are really hoping that even more will seize the opportunity to make their voices heard in January.
“We have strong backing from the public, business, politicians, political parties and local authorities.
“We have been greatly encouraged by the feedback and we continue to work to ensure that the bid captures the benefits but also addresses the concerns raised.
“A Galloway National Park would empower nature and the environment to drive prosperity.”
Drop-in sessions are planned in Stranraer, Wigtown, Kirkcudbright and Dalmellington.
Follow GNPA on social media or email [email protected] for details.
