Galloway National Park residents ballot: EIR release

Information requested

How many residents were balloted within the proposed Galloway National Park to say that they agree with the area becoming one?

Response

Under EIR regulation 10(4)(a), we do not hold the information that you have requested.

However, I can confirm that NatureScot – as the Reporter – will now conduct an investigation into the proposal for a new National Park in Galloway which will include extensive public consultation.

NatureScot will engage with residents, communities, businesses, public bodies and interested parties including representatives working within the agriculture, forestry and other land-based sectors given their importance within the area.

We want to ensure that people living and working within the proposed area have an opportunity to discuss the issues, consider the content of the proposal including the desirability of a National Park in the area and any alternatives. We anticipate the following elements to form part of this engagement and consultation work:

1. A full consultation paper and survey available via the NatureScot website and in writing;
2. A short version of the consultation paper and survey available through an online portal;
3. A short version of the consultation paper and survey distributed to households in, and near, the area proposed in the nomination;
4. A series of independently facilitated public meetings and drop-in surgeries in and near the area;
5. Bespoke events and surveys for businesses, including agriculture, forestry and other landmanagement sectors;
6. Bespoke activities and events for young-people and under-represented groups; and
7. One or more regional or national online meetings.

Alongside the reporter investigation and public consultation into the proposal for a new National Park in Galloway that will be undertaken by NatureScot, the Scottish Government is starting work on a series of impact assessments. These will include:

• a Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) to assess the potential costs, benefits and risks that the proposal may have on the public, private, third sector or regulators;
• a Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) to assess the likely significant environmental effects of the proposal;
• an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) to assess the potential impacts of the proposal on the equality groups;
• a Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) to assess the potential impacts of the proposal on the rights and wellbeing of children and young people; and
• a Fairer Scotland Duty assessment to assess how the proposal could potentially reduce inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage.

These impact assessments will be evidence-based and their results will help to inform any final decision on whether a new National Park should be designated in Galloway. We will give the reports of each impact assessment careful consideration, alongside the report that NatureScot will provide following its investigation and public consultation.

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