- Respected Ayrshire estate owner says new Park would bring a brighter future for nature and our communities
- Mark Gibson OBE believes ownership brings responsibilities to the environment and to future generations
One of southern Scotland’s most respected estate owners has called on the public – and landowners – to support the creation of a new National Park in Galloway, South and East Ayrshire.
Mark Gibson OBE, who was named “Countryman of the Year” in 2009, has spent 24 years restoring and reviving the 3,000-acre Craigengillan Estate in East Ayrshire, on the banks of Loch Doon.
But his work has been about much more than building a self-sufficient estate – Mark has an astonishing track record for social engagement, economic regeneration, promotion of countryside access, charitable and educational projects.
And he sees the current public consultation on the creation of a new National Park as a huge opportunity for the region – a chance to protect and enhance its natural assets and harness them to build a brighter, more sustainable future.
He said: “National Park status would enhance our ability to do much more for the region and to create a better future for so many people, particularly younger people and future generations.”
Indeed, he feels that ownership comes with an obligation to steward Scotland’s land in ways that promote social inclusion, wellbeing and opportunity.
He said: “Being a landowner involves responsibilities. You cannot give yourself precedence over the interests of nature and of local people – all the more so in an area where we have such a rapidly ageing population and so many of our young are leaving because the prospects are so poor.
“National Parks are very good at bringing people together to collaborate in the interests of nature, the environment and the community, and that’s very much what we need.”
Mark has long been committed to the idea of a National Park and is a trustee of GNPA (the Galloway National Park Association) which has been campaigning for designation since 2017.
He was also involved in the efforts to rescue Dumfries House, has been closely involved with the Scottish Forestry Trust and the UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.
His firm belief is that a National Park could prove a powerful force in bringing together and strengthening existing conservation work, as well as allowing the funding of new ones.
In addition, he believes it would be a source of many new jobs and business opportunities, not least because local producers and service providers could market themselves under a new National Park brand.
Having worked to help with economic regeneration efforts for the village of Dalmellington, which suffered badly when mining came to an end, he is acutely aware of the need to develop new, fulfilling and sustainable sources of employment.
Mark is praised on the Scottish Land and Estates website as “a dedicated and caring landowner who has gone ‘above and beyond’ in successful efforts to restore Craigengillan Mansion, Dalmellington, and develop its extensive policies as a prosperous business and for the benefit of locals and visitors”.
He has multiple future ambitions, including the creation of a Rural Skills Centre, a Mountain Bike centre and a new and even better Dark Skies Observatory (to replace the one which was sadly destroyed in a fire).
This is in addition to the remarkable work that has already taken place in planting millions of native trees, restoring the estate’s cottages and other buildings, creating new footpaths, running conservation projects, organic farming and providing a base for a multitude of outdoor pursuits.
The Craigengillan Estate has existed for around 400 years, but its fortunes retreated in the 20th century and its revival has been a labour of love.
Mark said: “There was a lot of disrepair when I first found it, but there was a magic too – a bit like a sleeping beauty.
“Underneath all the dereliction you could see the beauty that there was in all sorts of ways – in the landscape, in the amazing wildlife habitats, in the historic buildings. Much has been achieved, but so much more is possible.
“And I firmly believe that a National Park would make it so much easier for projects all across the region to succeed and bring so many benefits to our region.”
- Take part in the 14-week National Park consultation here.
-Ends-
Note to Editors
- For more about Mark and the estate see https://www.craigengillan.com
For media information contact: Rob Lucas 07808 775901or Matthew Shelley 07786 704299 or [email protected].
About GNPA
Galloway National Park Association is a community-based group with trustees from across the region. We started work in 2017 and have over 1100 members, young supporters and business champions. Our objects are:
- To promote the protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural assets of the area for public benefit.
- To promote, undertake and publish research into issues affecting conservation and enjoyment of the natural and cultural heritage of the area and to identify how this may be furthered through the designation of a National Park.
- To advance public education in and understanding of how a National Park could contribute to improving health and wellbeing through the enjoyment, understanding or enhancement of the area’s natural and cultural asset”.
Rob Lucas is the association’s Chair and Sandra McDowall the Vice Chair. Dame Barbara Kelly is the President. The association has been funded by membership and donations, and contributions from Scottish Campaign for National Parks, Dumfries & Galloway Council, South Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Council.
Galloway National Park Association is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with OSCR (SC047398) on 9th May 2017