Dumfries and Galloway councillors agree to push Scottish Government for referendum on Galloway National Park

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Councillors have agreed to push for a local referendum on whether Galloway should be given national park status.

A “divisive” NatureScot consultation on the proposal is under way, with a series of events and meeting taking place across the region.

However, a motion to today’s full council meeting of Dumfries and Galloway Council asked for support to call on the Scottish Government to let local people have a vote on the matter – despite Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon recently ruling out the idea.

Dee and Glenkens Councillor Dougie Campbell, who put forward the motion, said: “As councillors, we often talk about local democracy, community empowerment and giving our communities a say on the decisions that will affect them.

“Whatever your view, I hope you can agree that such a significant change to people’s lives should be determined by local people.”

The motion was voted through by 24 votes to 13.

Members arriving at Dumfries and Galloway Council’s headquarters for the meeting were greeted by members of the No Galloway National Park campaign group.

They are in favour of a local referendum – but the Galloway National Park Association says holding a vote would be costly and South and East Ayrshire Councils would also need to be involved.

And Ms Gougeon claims the ongoing consultation will give residents the chance to have their say.

Councillor Campbell – whose motion was seconded by Castle Douglas and Crocketford Councillor Pauline Drysdale – described the consultation as “divisive” and told the meeting: “If there is to be a national park in Galloway, it’ll be the single most significant change to people’s lives in the area for around 30 years and will have an impact on people’s lives for generations to come.

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“At this stage, it doesn’t matter whether we as individual councillors are for or against national park status.

“This motion is simply calling on the Scottish Government to hold a local referendum following conclusion of the consultation phase and prior to any ministerial decision being made. It is nothing more than that.”

Among councillors in favour of a referendum was North West Dumfries representative Graham Bell.

He said: “I’ve never had as many emails. We’re representing people, they must have the chance for their voices to be heard.”

However, not everyone agreed.

Mid Galloway and Wigtown West Councillor David Inglis pointed out that more than 50,000 homes had received a consultation document.

He said: “Within that document the first question gives you the option to answer either support or you don’t support – strongly support it or strongly oppose.

“Personally I think going to a referendum on this is the wrong way to go. I think the consultation on this needs to be followed through right to the bitter end and what this throws up will inform what’s happening within this designation in Galloway.

“I cannot support this motion. I would be happier to focus on the consultation.”

And Lochar Councillor Linda Dorward believed it was not in the council’s remit to push for a vote and a referendum was not part of the process of establishing a national park.

She added: “It’s undemocratic as it disenfranchises citizens in Ayrshire and the remainder of Dumfries and Galloway.”

Councillor Campbell said it was up to the Scottish Government to decide exactly who would vote, although Councillor Inglis pointed out the Cabinet Secretary had already said “quite bluntly” there would not be a referendum.

Councillors voted 24 votes to 13 in favour calling for the Scottish Government to allow a referendum once the consultation is complete.

A special meeting in February will be used to determine the local authority’s position on the issue.

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