SCOTTISH Greens in Dumfries and Galloway have thrown their backing behind plans for a national park in the region, saying it will boost job creation and housing, as well as help tackle environmental challenges.
Party members responded to a consultation regarding plans which would see the establishment of the nation’s third national park.
The Greens point to the examples of Scotland’s other national parks – in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs – and say it could revive a struggling economy in the region.
More than 250 people are employed between these parks, while 65% of housing within them is considered affordable in comparison to just 25% elsewhere.
Laura Moodie, spokesperson for Dumfries and Galloway Greens, said: “National Parks can be truly transformational. Our vision for a national park is one that bucks the long-term trend of deepening social, economic, and environmental decline across the region, entrenching inequality and rapid demographic changes.
“South West Scotland has for too long been overlooked by all levels of government, but with a national park, we can take matters into our own hands by having the ability to enforce environmental regulations, support biodiversity and regenerative farming, and invest in public services, public transport, including tackling the housing crisis.”
In the Bute House Agreement, which formed an alliance between the Scottish Government and the Greens back in 2021, the two pledged to designate at least one national park by 2026.
While that partnership has since ended, it has been almost 15 years a park was established or extended.
The response also showed a desire for the National Park Board to include climate and housing specialists, as well as a "future generations" member, to fairly represent the area.
Critics of the plan for a national park point to the risk of overtourism and more restrictions on farmers.
