Referendum bid over plans for new Galloway National Park

A consultation is currently being run by the government’s NatureScot agency, which opponents of the Galloway National Park plan say is “hopelessly biased".

The survey includes 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, and will run until February 14.

Last week, rural affairs secretary, Mairi Gougeon, rejected the idea of holding a vote on Scotland’s newest national park - which would cover parts of East and South Ayrshire - amid concerns over whether locals are in favour of it.

Campaigners believe it will be a great addition to the area (Image: NQ Archive) Campaigners believe that a more feasible way to gauge public interest in the plans would be to hold a referendum.

Feedback on the proposed park has been mixed, with some believing it would be a great asset to the area, while others believe it would be detrimental to wildlife and push up costs of local amenities - including housing.

A group of Dumfries and Galloway councillors are now demanding a referendum and the proposal will be decided upon at next week’s full council meeting, after a motion was lodged by Councillor Dougie Campbell of the independent Democratic Alliance Group.

Cllr Campbell wants the Scottish Government to stage a referendum after the consultation ends in February, and his motion has been seconded by the Scottish Conservative Councillor Pauline Drysdale.

Cllr Campbell said: “The bedrock of democracy is people having a meaningful say on their own future. The proposal that Galloway is designated as Scotland’s next national park could have significant ramifications for generations to come.

“The ongoing consultation is dividing our communities in a way I have never seen before, and people feel disempowered.

"That’s why it’s important that the Scottish Government stands by its very own values of supporting rural communities, community empowerment and local decision making. There can be no better way to demonstrate this by holding a local referendum.”

Others are firmly against the plans (Image: NQ Archive) Cllr Drysdale added: “The GNPA state ‘A National Park Made In Galloway For Galloway,’ yet the vast majority of residents feel the NatureScot consultation is flawed and does not meet the national standards of engagement.

“A referendum is a clearer and fairer method of listening to our constituents with a straight yes or no. We live in a democracy, not a dictatorship which is why we are putting forward a motion for a local referendum. The opinions of local residents come first, whichever way it goes.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “All parties across the Scottish Parliament backed the creation of a new national park and the nomination from Galloway is undergoing further investigation and public consultation.

“We recognise that there are differing views, which is why it is imperative that all those with an interest has their say – including whether or not they want a national park in the area – before the consultation closes in February.

“It is vital that the people of Galloway and South and East Ayrshire have the opportunity to consider the proposal and share their views, which is exactly why this process is being undertaken and why a key part of that consultation involves asking people if they want a national park in their area, as well as other issues such as what the area, governance and powers of a new park might be.

“Everyone’s views will be listened to and we will carefully consider the outcome of the consultation process before taking any further decisions.

“If we decide to proceed with the designation of a new national park, it should be cost-efficient, provide value for money and help to meet the needs of local communities.”

A spokesman for the Galloway National Park Association said: “A referendum would cost a large amount of taxpayers’ money at the very moment when the Scottish Budget has made clear that it is going to be very tough to fund public services.

“As the proposed area of the park includes South and East Ayrshire as well as Galloway, then the two councils covering those areas would have to agree to their populations being balloted. If that did not happen it would mean many supporters of a National Park were disenfranchised.

“It’s also the case that Mairi Gougeon has already rejected the suggestion that a referendum should take place, not least because a fair and robust public consultation is already under way.

“If the Scottish Government were to change its position on this we would obviously seek to be at the heart of discussions on how a referendum would be conducted.”