National Parks – What Happens Now?
Issue
- On 5th May 2025, NatureScot delivered its advice to the Scottish Government on a new National Park in Scotland. It delivered a Report, based on the consultation and engagement process, as well as two letters which separately set out its points of view as Reporter and natural heritage advisor.
- On 29th May 2025, the Scottish Government decided it would not proceed with the designation of a new National Park in southwest Scotland.
- This briefing sets out what we can expect next following the decision not to proceed with a new National Park in Scotland.
Background
- NatureScot provided its advice as Reporter. Based on the evidence of the consultation and having gauged public opinion, its advice was that the Scottish Government ought not to proceed with a new National Park.
- NatureScot’s position as natural heritage adviser, based on the expert view that there would be benefits to the natural heritage and the response to climate change, is that there was a case for a new National Park in the region.
- On 29th May 2025, the Scottish Government decided it would not proceed with the designation of a new National Park in southwest Scotland, because of the significant level of opposition to the proposal.
- The conflicting advice from NatureScot has been confusing for stakeholders. However, NatureScot has no decision-making powers in this area, its remit is strictly advisory.
- The Scottish Government decision not to proceed with the designation is the one that really matters.
NFUS Activity
- NFUS engaged extensively with our members, NatureScot, the Scottish Government and other stakeholders on the proposal for a new National Park in Southwest Scotland.
NFU Scotland’s position is as follows:
- NFU Scotland has, since at least 2021, been against the creation of any new National Park in Scotland.
- In a public survey we undertook in 2024 of almost 2,000 people, 73% of respondents said they were against the proposed creation of a National Park in Galloway.
- This statistic, as well as a follow-up member survey, formed the rationale for our response to remain against the proposals.
Next Steps:
- As far as we are concerned, the Cabinet Secretary statement on 29th May brings this issue to a conclusion.
- However, this has been an emotive and high-profile issue, and we may see it rear its head again in the coming months and years.
- Political parties will be starting to prepare their manifestos and campaigning for the Scottish Parliament elections in May 2026.
- NFUS will continue to outline our opposition to a new National Park in Scotland during meetings with potential MSPs in the run up to the next election.
- We are also taking forward meetings and events with other organisations in the region, demonstrating our commitment to partnership working and achieving Scottish Government aims by means other than a national park.
- These conversations emphasise our continued support for local food production, food security issues, and the wider rural supply chain. They focus on how farming can work for the benefit of climate, nature and rural communities. Examples of these include:
- Organising our 3rd Future Farming Conference in partnership with the GSAB and Propagate.
- Organising a meeting in D&G with Peatland ACTION. This will also include speakers on Muirburn and the SFRS will discuss fire safety.
- Our members are engaging with the Whole Farm Plan requirements; many are well ahead with Carbon Audits due to requirements from their milk buyer as an example.
- The Crichton Carbon Centre came to a Langholm branch meeting.
- We have many members who are engaging with tourism organisations such as Scottish Agritourism and South of Scotland Destination Alliance.
Sarah Cowie / Mhairi Dawson / Beatrice Morrice
Date Published: 17/07/2025
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