Scotland's New National Park Appraisal Panel: final report

Galloway

The panel noted the size of the proposed area (c. 347,000 hectares which is larger than Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and smaller than Cairngorms National Park)^[1]. In terms of character and coherence, the panel noted that the nomination clearly sets out the area’s identity, including the coast to uplands aspect, and its distinctiveness as a quieter region within Scotland in respect to visitor numbers. Distinctive coastal features, habitats and landscapes represent a key aspect of this nomination, a set of characteristics not currently represented in Scotland’s two existing National Parks.

The nomination presents evidence of the extensive natural heritage designations that are of outstanding national importance. This includes RAMSAR sites, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), National Scenic Areas (NSAs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The nomination also highlights nationally important coastal and wetland habitats, including saltmarsh and estuarine sites. The panel also noted evidence of extensive cultural heritage assets that are of outstanding national importance, ranging from scheduled monuments to listed buildings and sites of literary importance.

In terms of how a National Park in Galloway could meet the special needs of the area, the nomination coherently sets out how National Park designation could support nature restoration in the area. It also includes a range of examples of how National Park designation could support the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage (e.g. dealing with coastal erosion and impacts of climate change, improving interpretation and educational opportunities). In terms of National Park designation supporting the sustainable use of the area’s natural resources, the nomination presents key issues and places them within the wider context of the natural capital innovation zone and the Borderland Inclusive Growth Deal. The nomination presents relevant socio-economic analysis regarding employment, housing and population decline and the potential role of a National Park in supporting long term regional development.

The nomination identifies a number of issues of wider strategic importance where National Park designation could have an impact - including job creation, nature-friendly farming, climate change and restoration of peatland. It identifies and links to national/collaborative initiatives in the area but lacks specific details of how a National Park could address some of these issues.

The nomination sets out a clear vision of how National Park designation would help to drive growth in sustainable tourism and the visitor economy over a number of years. The role and contribution of a National Park authority is set out (e.g. improving connectivity, core paths and access for all as well as promoting the National Parks brand).

In terms of local engagement, the nomination provides evidence of broad and extensive public engagement with relevant groups and communities over a long period, with some recent engagement taking place during the nomination period.

In terms of local support, the nomination presents evidence of a significant level of community support based on the engagement work that has been undertaken over a long period, including during the recent nomination period. For example, 195 survey responses from 4 recent engagement sessions demonstrate 75% of respondents in favour and 15% opposed to a new National Park. The three local authorities passed a resolution in 2024 to say they support the nomination. The nomination also provides evidence of support from South of Scotland Enterprise, South of Scotland Destination Alliance and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO biosphere reserve. The nomination provides evidence of opposing views from some stakeholders, for example NFU Scotland and the Milk Suppliers Association do not support a National Park in Galloway, whereas the South West Scotland Regenerative Farming Network does support the nomination.

The panel noted that further public and stakeholder engagement and consultation would need to be undertaken to determine the level of local support comprehensively.

Overall assessment for Galloway nomination: