Almost three-quarters of 1983 respondents opposed to park plans.
An open survey of residents and businesses affected by the Galloway National Park proposal found almost three-quarters of all respondents were opposed.
A total of 1983 people responded to the NFU Scotland poll, which is now closed. Only 28 per cent of respondents were NFUS members and, in total, 33 per cent of respondents identified themselves as farmers.
The results showed 73 per cent are against the proposed National Park bid, 16 per cent are for the proposal and 11 per cent are undecided.
Looking exclusively at NFU Scotland members, 556 members responded of which 78 per cent were against the proposals, 10 per cent were for and 12 per cent were undecided.
The results from the most extensive survey in the proposed park area to date, which ran between February 2024 and September 2024, gives NFU Scotland a clear mandate to continue its opposition to the proposals, which have the potential to impact on farmers and the wider rural economy in Dumfries and Galloway, parts of South Ayrshire and parts of East Ayrshire.
NFU Scotland continues to meet with NatureScot, the Scottish Government agency appointed as reporter for the Galloway Park proposal.
NatureScot has been charged with helping the Scottish Government decide:
- if Galloway should be given National Park status
- what geographical area it should include
- what form its governance should take (e.g. number of board members)
- what powers it should have (e.g. planning, access)
- its likely structure and operation.
NFU Scotland’s Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Region, Stewart Wyllie said: “We thank everyone, whether members of the public, the wider business community or the farming sector for completing the survey.
“With almost 2000 responses, the majority are clearly against the National Park proposals. The high response rate justified our decision to open the survey to all rather than just NFUS members.
“NFU Scotland continues to meet with NatureScot to establish how it will fulfil its remit as reporter and ensure the views of all are considered. It has recently launched an online portal providing facts and we would encourage all with an interest in the proposal to visit
https://newnationalparkgalloway.commonplace.is/ and have their say.
“We also understand that NatureScot will be distributing leaflets to all households in the postcode districts in, and close to, the proposed park area, explaining the consultation process and how to be involved in it.
“Backed by the survey results, NFU Scotland will be using the consultation process to underline our continued opposition and work in expressing these views to NatureScot, Scottish Government and wider stakeholders.”
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006