Moves to create a proposed National Park in the South West of Scotland got a conditional endorsement from East Ayrshire Councillors as they agreed their submission to the National Park Consultation at their Cabinet meeting this week.
In the latest step towards a decision on the area’s future, Nature Scot has been running a public consultation to discuss how the park would be defined and how it would operate.
The proposed park would cover areas of Dumfries and Galloway, East and South Ayrshire. In East Ayrshire the Nature Scot consultation, was held online, with community engagement sessions held in Dalmellington and Bellsbank and young persons sessions run through the Young Persons Cabinet and at Doon Academy.
Of three options under consideration, and following the consultation feedback the Council has expressed a preference for Option 3, Hills Coast and Countryside, which would incorporate Dalmellington, Bellsbank and Craigengillan Estate in addition to the Loch Doon area which featured in Options 1 and 2.
The support of the Council is dependent on the potential outcome of a number of factors which are considered in this consultation in order to gauge perceptions and views, which include Planning functions remaining with the Local Authority.
Talking about the response, Councillor Graham Barton, Cabinet member for Planning, Property and Environment said:
“Our preferred option for the project would bring opportunities for those living and working in the area – we are keen to see the area extend as far as possible in East Ayrshire so those communities can reap the economic and environmental benefits.
“One of our recommendations is that the original proposition of “Kingdom of Galloway National Park should be changed to “Galloway and Ayrshire National Park” or “Galloway and Southern Ayrshire National Park” to reflect the fact that it covers a considerable part of both South and East Ayrshire.
“We welcome the fact that the National Park would focus on local decision making and support local communities and business with a particular focus on environment, tourism and climate adaptation – so it fits well with our ambitions for building community wealth and achieving net zero targets.”
“The creation of a National Park in southern Ayrshire and Galloway could help grow and sustain the visitor economy in the area. As an internationally recognised brand that protects and celebrates what makes an area special –its landscape, culture and people; it attracts visitors.
“There would be increased investment in tourism infrastructure in the area creating business and employment opportunities. Additional powers and funding would support responsible visitor management with investment in ranger services. Businesses could benefit from marketing and promotion which would seek to promote year-round visits and extend the season.
The Council reserves the right to amend its “supportive” position depending on the detail of the subsequent proposal put forward by NatureScot for consideration by the Scottish Government.
