NatureScot opens formal consultation on a proposed new National Park in Galloway

Today NatureScot opened their formal public consultation on the proposed new Galloway National Park. The public are encouraged to have their say on what will hopefully become Scotland’s third National Park.

The consultation will include looking at what a potential new Park might consist of, It will also seek to gauge opinion on the proposal and alternatives to it.

The formal consultation will run from today (7 November) until 14 February 2025 and can be accessed here.

Public events will be happening across the Galloway area in the coming weeks, facilitated by independent consultants on behalf of NatureScot, ensuring that people are supported to share their thoughts and opinions in a positive environment. There will be sessions within each event asking for responses on a variety of topics, as well as interactive boards and spaces and opportunities to leave anonymous feedback. Respondents can also complete a consultation leaflet in writing. 

Following this consultation, during the Spring of 2025, NatureScot’s will provide the Scottish Government with advice and a consultation analysis. The Scottish Government will then decide whether or not to proceed with the designation of a National Park in Galloway.  If the Government decides to proceed, it will consult further on the more detailed contents of a Draft Designation Order. The final stage of the process is the consideration of the Designation Order by the Scottish Parliament and this will include the chance for the public to provide views to constituency MSPs. The Scottish Parliament would then scrutinise the draft legislation before deciding whether to approve it.