Galloway National Park Information HubMilestones
Public consultation on the future of National Parks in Scotland
May
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June 2022
The Scottish Government launched an online consultation to seek views on what people wanted Scotland’s National Parks to deliver for the environment, culture and local communities.A summary of the ideas and comments generated from this exercise can be read here: National parks - challenge exercise: summary analysis.
NatureScot initial advice to Scottish Government
May 2022
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January 2023
Building on the government's online consultation, NatureScot was asked to provide advice to Scottish Government on the role and approach of National Parks, and how nominations for new National Parks could be evaluated. In developing this advice NatureScot undertook a mixture of online and in-person public consultation and engagement activities.A full report of the advice provided to Scottish Government, including details on the public consultation can be read here: National Parks Advice to Ministers.
Development of the selection process for a new National Park
February 2023
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September 2024
The Scottish Government published a draft appraisal framework, with selection criteria for new National Parks, for public consultation. The purpose of this was to obtain views, comments and feedback from individuals, organisations, public sector bodies, those in the built environment and land management sectors and from the energy sector.A summary of the feedback received, as well as the full consultation analysis, can be accessed here: New National Parks - appraisal framework consultation.
Nominations, and assessment of proposals for new National Park
October 2023
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July 2024
Following a call for 'expressions of interest' in May 2023, communities and organisations wishing to put their area forward to be considered for designation as Scotland’s next National Park were invited to develop and submit a formal ‘nomination’ to the Scottish Government.The nominations were then appraised by a panel, against specific criteria set out in the published appraisal framework which had previously been consulted on. The final report detailing the appraisal process can be read here: Scotland's New National Park Appraisal Panel: final report.
Following this appraisal, the Scottish Government made a statutory proposal for a New National Park to be established in Galloway. They asked NatureScot to be the Reporter, to investigate the detail of the proposal and report public opinion. The full proposal can be read here: National Park in Galloway: proposal by Scottish Ministers.
NatureScot investigation as Reporter – Phase 1 – Conversation
September 2024 - October 2024
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In Progress
NatureScot has published a Reporter Plan detailing what is involved in its role as reporter. This plan can be read here: A National Park proposal for Galloway - Reporter Plan.The reporting process has three main phases. The first is the Conversation phase and its purpose is to raise awareness of the proposal, listen to opinions, and work with the local community and organisations to design an effective consultation strategy and to draft proposals for November 2024.
NatureScot Investigation as Report – Phase 2 – 12 Week Consultation
November 2024
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Janaury 2025
The second phase is the Consultation. The purpose of this is to gauge opinion on detailed proposals and the support or opposition to the proposal through a formal 12 week consultation.NatureScot as Reporter - Develop Options and Advice for Government
January 2025
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April 2025
Following the conversation and consultation phases, the third and final phase of the reporting process is for NatureScot to analyse the responses received and advise Ministers, taking account of the views expressed.Development of Designation Order
Spring 2025
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Spring 2026
The Scottish Government will decide whether to progress to this stage following NatureScot's advice in April 2025. The Scottish Government would then undertake further public consultation, before an Order would come into effect to designate a new National Park.