Campaigners calling for a national park in Galloway have invited Scotland’s new minister for environmental protection to a visit to the area.
The Galloway National Park Association this week urged Michael Matheson to travel south on a fact finding mission.
The campaigners were handed a boost when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the News during the election campaign that a national park “perhaps has a big part to play” in meeting a Holyrood target of protecting 30 per of land for nature by the end of the decade.
And the group has now written to Mr Matheson, the minister for net zero, energy and transport, inviting him to see what the south west has to offer.
Chairman Rob Lucas said: “We would be particularly delighted to host a visit to the region where he could discover for himself the benefits a Galloway National Park would bring.
“The recent election showed that there is a real enthusiasm for this project both locally and across Scotland, with most parties, including the Greens and Lib Dems, making manifesto commitments on new National Parks.”
Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson is also calling for a meeting on the proposal, this time with new Rural Affairs minister Mairi Gougeon.
Earlier this year, her predecessor, Ben Macpherson, ruled out progressing the bid.
Mr Carson said: “This is an important issue in my constituency and something I have raised repeatedly at Holyrood in the past, both in my capacity as the local MSP and as shadow minister for rural affairs.
“I welcome Mairi’s appointment as the new cabinet secretary responsible for looking after rural affairs and I look forward to
working with her in delivering what is the best practice for our needs here in Galloway and West Dumfries.
“I believe it would be beneficial to meet with the cabinet secretary and discuss the best way forward.”
