The Scottish Government is facing criticism from environmental advocates amid reports it may abandon plans to establish a National Park in Galloway—a flagship policy of the Bute House Agreement.
Land-owning lobbyists have reportedly urged ministers to prioritise investment in the region without implementing environmental protections, drawing sharp criticism from the Scottish Greens.
Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell warned that any decision to cancel or delay the creation of the Galloway National Park would significantly undermine both local ecosystems and rural communities.
“Scotland’s two current National Parks—the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs—demonstrate the tangible benefits of National Park designation,” Ruskell said. “They have improved the management of tourism and forestry, attracted investment in transport and housing, and delivered meaningful benefits to local communities.”
Ruskell stressed that National Park status could bring transformational opportunities to Galloway, including the creation of high-quality employment, the strengthening of local food production, and increased investment in environmental conservation.
The anticipated move to withdraw support comes as the SNP’s Rural Affairs minister prepares to make an official announcement. If confirmed, it would represent a significant reversal on a key pledge made under the power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens.
Ruskell called on the SNP to resist pressure from “a small number of voices” opposed to change and to uphold the aspirations of communities that have actively campaigned for National Park designation.
“Last year, communities across Scotland competed to host the country’s next National Park. Blocking every bid would be a national embarrassment and a betrayal of those local efforts,” he added.
The future of the Galloway National Park now hangs in the balance, as stakeholders await a final decision from the Scottish Government.
