Additional consultation time in Galloway National Park

The Scottish Government has confirmed it has extended the consultation period on its proposal to make Galloway the country’s third national park.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the program would last 14 weeks rather than the usual 12 weeks.

She said the government had taken into account concerns that people might be busy with other things over Christmas and New Year.

Consultation on the proposals will begin next week.

In July, the Scottish Government announced the area as a potential location for a new national park.

It would join two existing ones in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

However, the proposal has become divisive with a campaign against the move taken in the region.

Supporters say it could have “transformative” benefits, but opponents fear increased bureaucracy, rising house prices and an inability to cope with more tourists.

Mairi Gougeon said it was “extremely important” that the government could listen to the views of people living and working in the area.

She said people in Galloway and South and East Ayrshire should be able to discuss these issues and consider whether they wanted a national park and, if so, what the boundaries should be.

The consultation has been extended for two weeks to “enable as many people as possible to have their say”.

“I recognize the strong public interest in this proposal and am aware that there is both support and opposition,” she said.

“Everyone’s opinions will be heard and taken into account. I encourage all interested parties to engage in the consultation process in a constructive and respectful manner.”