Latest survey sees 76 per cent of members oppose proposals.
NFU Scotland has reaffirmed its opposition to the designation of a new National Park in Galloway, emphasising that the proposal lacks clear benefits for farmers, food producers, and the rural economy.
In submitting its formal response to NatureScot on the Galloway Park proposal consultation, the Union’s stance follows extensive consultation with its members, who have consistently voiced strong objections to the plan. Over the past three years, NFU Scotland has conducted multiple surveys to gauge opinions regarding the potential establishment of a National Park in Galloway. The latest member-only survey, based solely on the questions in the consultation, saw 75.68 per cent of NFU Scotland members who responded state their strong opposition.
In its formal submission, NFU Scotland argues that a new National Park would introduce unnecessary bureaucracy and complexity for farmers without delivering tangible advantages beyond those already provided by existing structures and institutions. Key concerns raised by members include potential disruptions to the planning system, a lack of transparency in the consultation process, more public access problems and uncertainty surrounding funding for the project.
NFU Scotland’s Regional Chair for Dumfries and Galloway, Stewart Wyllie said: “There are no details on how this National Park would be funded. At a time when public resources are stretched across essential services like healthcare, education, and social care, it is clear that a National Park is not a priority for the general public, nor for this region’s farmers and food producers.”
Additionally, NFU Scotland has highlighted concerns about the potential impact on the agricultural sector, including the risk of stifling growth, innovation, and development. The Union has also raised alarm over the likelihood of land property prices being driven up, further limiting local housing stock and exacerbating affordability issues for rural communities.
Throughout the consultation process, many NFU Scotland members expressed frustration over what they perceive as a lack of transparency and engagement from consultation lead body NatureScot. Some members described the proposal as a “fait accompli,” suggesting that the process had been pre-determined without meaningful consideration of opposition voices.
Mr Wyllie added: “Our members feel that their concerns have been dismissed and that this process has been more about ticking boxes than genuine consultation. Many have described it as a ‘cloak-and-dagger’ approach, where key details about the Park’s operation remain unknown.
“Our members overwhelmingly believe that the proposed National Park would prioritise tourism and visitor access at the expense of farming businesses with potential restrictions on land use, increased costs, and the risk of agricultural operations being sidelined in favour of conservation and recreation initiatives.
“Our members have seen the impact of National Parks elsewhere. In places like Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, as well as the Lake District, farming businesses have struggled due to the prioritisation of tourism over agricultural livelihoods. We fear similar consequences if a new National Park is established in Galloway.”
While strongly opposing the National Park proposal, NFU Scotland remains committed to working collaboratively to achieve shared environmental and economic goals. The Union advocates for increased investment in existing regional organisations, such as the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and South of Scotland Enterprise, which already contribute to sustainable land management and economic development in the area.
“Rather than creating another layer of bureaucracy, we believe that strengthening and expanding the work of existing organisations would be a far more effective way to support local communities. These bodies already have the expertise, structure, and community engagement needed to drive positive change without the complications that a National Park would bring. Policymakers must listen to the concerns of those directly impacted by this proposal and explore alternative means of supporting rural economies and environmental goals if they are to genuinely benefit Scotland’s rural communities,” concluded Mr Wyllie.
Notes for editors
- A full copy of NFU Scotland’s submission is attached.
Ends
Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006