A PUBLIC consultation is under way looking at whether a new National Park should be established in Galloway and parts of South and East Ayrshire.
The consultation will include looking at what a potential new park might consist of - from its boundary to its board makeup, and even what the park could be called.
It will also seek to gauge opinion on the proposal and alternatives to it.
Galloway has been chosen as the proposed site for the country’s third national park, after Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and the Cairngorms.
Campaigners recently gathered to oppose the plans to install the park in this part of the country.
The South Ayrshire elements are expected to include the land south of Girvan, covering Ballantrae and inland as far as Colmonnell, as well as parts of the Carrick forest.
In East Ayrshire, the park will include the area just south of Dalmellington, including Craigmalloch and the Loch Doon Observatory.
A formal consultation for the public to have their say will run from today (November 7) until February 14, 2025 and is accessible via the NatureScot website.
Public events will be happening across the area in the coming weeks, facilitated by independent consultants on behalf of NatureScot, aiming to ensure that people are supported to share their thoughts and opinions in a positive environment.
NatureScot will then report a full account and analysis of all views expressed during its engagement and consultation to Ministers in spring next year.
The Scottish Government is ultimately the decision maker on whether there will be a Galloway National Park.
Pete Rawcliffe, NatureScot head of people and places, said: “A new national park in Galloway is still a proposal and not a done deal, and this is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the proposal to have their voice heard.
"We are committed to ensuring every aspect of this is fair, transparent and as inclusive as possible.
“We need the communities who live and work across the south west of Scotland to take part in this consultation, and tell us what matters to them in order to make sure our advice to government is a fair reflection of the views held in their area.
“Our staff who work locally and nationally appreciate the thoughts and ideas that so many residents, communities, businesses, public bodies and other interested parties have contributed so far.
"This vital input, alongside our fieldwork, has helped shape the options we are now consulting on and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s ideas and feedback.”
The Scottish Government's rural affairs secretary, Mairi Gougeon, said: “It is vitally important that we hear from people living and working in the area and that the people of Galloway and South and East Ayrshire have the opportunity to discuss the issues and properly consider the proposal, including whether people want a national park in their area and, if so, what the area, functions, powers and governance arrangements should be.
“As I confirmed last week, the consultation will be extended from 12 weeks to 14 weeks to account for the consultation running over Christmas and New Year when people will understandably be busy with other things.
“I recognise the significant public interest in this proposal and am aware that there is both support and opposition. Everyone’s views will be listened to and taken into account and I would encourage everyone with an interest to engage with the consultation process in a constructive and respectful way.”
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