Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary backs holding Galloway National Park consultation over referendum

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Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary believes a consultation gives people more chance to have a say on a potential Galloway National Park than a local referendum.

Despite Dumfries and Galloway Council this week agreeing to push the Scottish Government for a vote on the matter, Mairi Gougeon said that “unlike a referendum, this consultation not only asks if people want a national park in their area, but also what the area, governance and powers of a new park might be”.

NatureScot began their consultation on a proposal to make Galloway Scotland’s third National Park in November and it will run until February 14. Councillors will meet in February to determine the local authority’s view on the idea.

Ahead of Thursday’s meeting, Ms Gougeon had already ruled out the idea of a referendum, but Dee and Glenkens Councillor Dougie Campbell felt it was important locals had a say on “the single most significant change to people’s lives in the area for around 30 years”.

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He added: “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.”

Some councillors felt the consultation was the correct way to go, with Mid Galloway and Wigtown West Councillor David Inglis saying more than 50,000 homes had received a consultation document, which gave people the chance to say whether or not they were in favour.

And Lochar Councillor Linda Dorward added: “It’s undemocratic as it disenfranchises citizens in Ayrshire and the remainder of Dumfries and Galloway.”

But some members raised concern with the paper version and how people were meant to respond.

And councillors voted 24 to 13 to push for a local referendum.

In response to that decision, Ms Gougeon said: “The consultation on the proposal for a new national park is underway and I am grateful that a date has been set for members of the council to consider their response to it.

“Their debate highlighted concerns about access to paper copies of the consultation and I would urge anyone who wishes one to contact NatureScot and they will be sent copies. Alternatively, the full consultation survey is available online and all views will be listened to and fully considered.

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

“Unlike a referendum, this consultation not only asks if people want a national park in their area, but also what the area, governance and powers of a new park might be, and it allows everyone in Galloway, South and East Ayrshire and beyond the opportunity to consider the proposal and share their views.”

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