FARMERS are up in arms as it has been announced that Galloway has been chosen as the preferred site for Scotland’s next National Park.

The region was selected from a five-strong shortlist following a months-long review of criteria.

A further investigation will now be carried out into Galloway’s suitability to join the country’s two existing parks at the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

The Scottish Borders, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest were the other regions in contention.

There are 15 national parks in the UK. The Scottish government’s rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon unveiled the decision at Shambellie House, within the proposed new park.

She said: “The proposal is community led, has the backing of many local businesses and makes a strong case on the benefits that national park status will bring for people who live in the area, for the local economy and for the environment.”

It has been more than 20 years since the last national park was created in Scotland, which led the SNP and the Scottish Greens to agree that ‘at least one’, would be designated by the end of the current parliamentary session in 2026.

However, the agricultural sector has raised concerns that it would lead to an ‘extra layer’ of bureaucracy for those in the area.

In Galloway, the farming community have also questioned if the status could damage growth and tourism potential - a claim campaigners dismissed.

Dr John Locke, a livestock farmer in the area said that national park status could impact the way farms are allowed to develop locally.

He said: “We need to have profitable farming in Dumfries and Galloway. We already have quite a lot of conditions and restrictions and targets from existing legislation and other bodies.”

NFU Scotland have also spoken out on their continued opposition to the plans.

NFUS vice president Alasdair Macnab said: “NFUS views the creation of a new national park in Scotland as unacceptable, a view supported by 93% of our members, and I can reassure our farmers in the Galloway area that we will continue to support your opposition every step of the way.

“Based on the experience of many farmers and crofters in either the Cairngorms National Park or the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, it is clear that existing parks have failed to make a positive contribution to farming and crofting. The consultation process now starting must be transparent, credible and inclusive – which it has not been in Galloway to date.”

Mr Macnab added: “What agricultural businesses deliver to the rural economy must be central in any future decision about a possible Galloway National Park.

“Scottish Government must bring forward independent evidence of the value that the existing National Parks bring to farmers and the local community.”

However, local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has cautiously welcomed the news that Galloway has been selected.

Although the Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP insists there needs to be ‘intensive discussion’ with the general public, local businesses and the farming sector.

He said: “While there are obvious economic and environmental benefits from gaining national park status it should not be regarded a forgone conclusion. “The agricultural sector has rightly raised concerns that it could lead to additional restrictions and red tape for those in the area.”

NatureScot will now prepare a report for the Scottish Parliament to review in April 2025 before ministers decide whether to make a ‘designation order’ - if approved by Parliament this would lead to the official designation of the new site.