- Park offers major investment, jobs and business opportunities
- Warning that opposing a National Park could be damaging
The decision by South Ayrshire Council’s to support the creation of a National Park has been warmly welcomed as a “vote for a better future”.
The council’s Cabinet has opted to give a positive response to the public consultation being run by NatureScot on proposals for a new Park in Galloway, South and East Ayrshire.
The local authorities covering each of these areas are being encouraged by a range of residents and organisations to show their support for a Park.
Rob Lucas, Chair of The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA), said: “This is a hugely positive outcome, a vote for a better future for our communities, for nature and the environment.
“We have continued to speak to individuals and groups in both South and East Ayrshire about the idea and its benefits.
“A new National Park will guarantee major public investment and a stronger voice for the people of our region as well as bringing new jobs and business opportunities.”
The public consultation runs until 14 February and gives people and organisations the chance to help shape their own future.
Council officers recommended the move, stating that “the proposed National Park is a positive step which could support the visitor economy in South Ayrshire, support addressing climate and nature emergencies, and enhance public services and community wellbeing, while also enhancing the area’s existing UNESCOBiosphere status.”
The Economy and Regeneration team stated that it believes a National Park could stimulate and diversify economic activity for towns and villages both inside and outside its boundaries, including Ayr, Girvan and Maybole.
An increase in the number of people enjoying outdoor activities would also support extra jobs and services.
And officers say that a Park will foster cultural appreciation and preserve historical and cultural landmarks.
They had warned that rejecting the recommendations and not supporting the designation of a National Park could result in losing the opportunity to promote and develop the area to meet tourism and environmental objectives.
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Note to Editors
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