Top-level talks on progressing a Galloway National Park could be in doubt – because of a ministerial shake-up.
MSP Finlay Carson and park campaigners were due to meet environment minister Mairi McAllan at Loch Ken on September 21.
The summit was arranged after the Scottish Government pledged to create at least one more national park in the country.
But on Monday First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Green MSP Lorna Slater would become a new government minister.
Among Ms Slater’s responsibilities are “national parks and natural heritage” – a brief originally held by Ms McAllan.
The change has left Mr Carson and the Galloway National Park Association (GPNA) seeking clarity on which minister would attend – and if the date would stand.
GNPA chairman Rob Lucas, above, was hopeful the talks would still go ahead and that the minister – whoever it is – would be impressed by Galloway’s case.
He said: “It’s all a bit frustrating because we are all ready to go.
“We get a minister’s visit and suddenly we have to go round and say we hope it happens on the day it’s supposed to happen. But I am optimistic it will still be on the 21st.”
Mr Lucas added: “There will be a formal consultation on establishing the park.
“Among the 2,000 conversations we had with the public and the 440 people who filled in the survey, there was overwhelming support. I think we tick all the boxes and are in a very strong position.”
Mr Carson who chairs the rural affairs committee at Holyrood, was delighted that Ms McAllan had agreed to come to Galloway.
And he believed the Greens’ support for more national parks in Scotland could aid Galloway’s bid.
“I think it is vital that the minister can hear for herself what Galloway has to offer and why it is proving a popular destination for many visitors every year.”
