Galloway is a very special place with fantastic nature, landscape, culture and people that we cannot take for granted. It is facing multiple challenges including adapting to climate change making space for nature, and strengthening its economy and communities. We believe that a National Park would shift the dial with its additional resources, international recognition and long term commitment to this beautiful but fragile area; by supporting vital services in our communities, adding to the proud primary industrial base of our economy and encouraging a diverse range of businesses. Galloway needs this resilience as the wider economy enters a period of inevitable and possibly rapid change.

National Parks are dedicated to improving access to the countryside for people of all abilities and ages whilst also managing the impact of visitors by encouraging responsible use and creating good quality waymarked routes with sufficient parking. They also help to support local communities seeking access to regular outdoor activity, enabling them to re-connect with nature and bringing proven benefits for health and well-being.

A National Park has the potential to put Galloway on the map and attract people to visit, live, work and raise their families here. This is a one-off chance to grab an investment in our area designed to help Galloway thrive and prosper. It will not on its own resolve all of Galloway’s challenges but it would provide an unprecedented injection of capital and confidence by bringing together a range of ambitions across different sectors under local direction.

Our Park is within our grasp, but only if we say ‘Yes'.

Now it’s your turn to help make this possible by engaging with the Reporter fully over the next few months and making your views known.