An open survey of residents and businesses affected by the Galloway National Park proposal found almost three-quarters of all respondents were against the proposed plans.

A total of 1983 people responded to the NFU Scotland poll, which is now closed. Only 28% of respondents were NFUS members and, in total, 33% of respondents identified themselves as farmers.

The results showed 73% are against the proposed National Park bid, 16% are for the proposal and 11% are undecided.

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Looking exclusively at NFU Scotland members, 556 members responded of which 78% were against the proposals, 10% were for and 12% were undecided.

The results from the survey, which ran between February 2024 and September 2024, gives NFUS a clear mandate to continue its opposition to the proposals, which have the potential to impact on farmers and the wider rural economy in Dumfries and Galloway, parts of South Ayrshire and parts of East Ayrshire.

NFUS continues to meet with NatureScot, the Scottish Government agency appointed as reporter for the Galloway Park proposal.

NatureScot has been charged with helping the Scottish Government decide:

• if Galloway should be given National Park status

• what geographical area it should include

• what form its governance should take (e.g. number of board members)

• what powers it should have (e.g. planning, access)

• its likely structure and operation.

NFUS chair of Dumfries and Galloway Region, Stewart Wyllie said: “We thank everyone, whether members of the public, the wider business community or the farming sector for completing the survey.

“With almost 2000 responses, the majority are clearly against the National Park proposals. The high response rate justified our decision to open the survey to all rather than just NFUS members.

“NFUS continues to meet with NatureScot to establish how it will fulfil its remit as reporter and ensure the views of all are considered. It has recently launched an online portal providing facts and we would encourage all with an interest in the proposal to visit https://newnationalparkgalloway.commonplace.is/ and have their say.

“We also understand that NatureScot will be distributing leaflets to all households in the postcode districts in, and close to, the proposed park area, explaining the consultation process and how to be involved in it.

“Backed by the survey results, NFUS will be using the consultation process to underline our continued opposition and work in expressing these views to NatureScot, Scottish Government and wider stakeholders.”

However, The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) has been left ‘disappointed’ by the NFUS survey.

GNPA trustee, Gordan Mann, said: “We are disappointed that NFUS carried out its survey before NatureScot’s Public Engagement period process – giving the factual information about the proposed Galloway National Park – had begun.

“This important process aims to make sure that everyone is fully informed about what it would mean for the region, ahead of the formal consultation period later this year.

“Whilst the survey was open to anyone wishing to express their views it was promoted to their members who were told, before its launch, that NFUS had resolved nationally to oppose the creation of any new National Parks.”

Mr Mann continued: “When the National Park bid process started in October 2023, and again when the online survey began, we provided the NFUS locally with information about the potential impact on farming, planning and land management.

“This was not passed on to members even though it would have helped them separate fact from fiction regarding bureaucracy, planning controls, and National Park powers.

“We encourage everyone, even if they responded to the NFUS Survey, to find out all they can about a potential Galloway National Park from NatureScot before making up their minds.

“This is one-off chance to benefit from major investment designed to help Galloway thrive and prosper and should not be lost.”