Galloway Forest Park. Picture: Shutterstock CAMPAIGNERS pushing for Scotland s third national park to be created in Galloway have pledged to redouble their efforts ahead of the Holyrood election. It came as they criticised the tired old arguments used by SNP ministers during a debate on the issue in the Scottish Parliament. Ben Macpherson, Scotland s rural affairs and natural environment minister, raised real concerns over the costs associated with new national parks. Addressing MSPs on Thursday, he said: Although we fully understand the desire to maximise the benefits of the area and the enthusiasm for a new national park designation, the Scottish Government’s position remains unchanged at present, with no plans to designate new national parks in Scotland.
BBC News
By Giancarlo Rinaldi
Published
image captionCampaigners want to see Galloway become Scotland s third national park
The case for Galloway to become Scotland s third national park has been taken to Holyrood.
It is the latest step in a long-running campaign to acquire the status.
South of Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper secured the debate on the issue which has enjoyed cross-party support in Dumfries and Galloway.
However, the Scottish government repeated its stance that it has no plans to create any new national parks.
Scotland currently has two national parks, one in the Cairngorms, the other is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Campaigners for Galloway National Park believe it would help met a key Scottish conservation target
The Galloway National Park Association say creating the park would help a UK-wide drive to protect 30 per cent of land by the end of the decade
Galloway National Park Association chairman Rob Lucas.
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