An alternative boundary for Scotland’s new national park has been put forward by a campaigner in an attempt to bridge the gap of an increasingly polarised debate. Galloway was announced as the proposed site to become the country’s third national park in July. Established pro and anti groups have since locked horns over the proposal, which is due to go under consultation this week.
Matt Cross, who works on environmental projects across Ayrshire, which borders Galloway, has proposed a third solution to yes or no, and that is to change the outline in Galloway. The existing boundary covers a vast area from the south of Dumfriesshire across to parts of east and south Ayrshire. Mr Cross, who said his opinion on the park was independent from those who he works with, has suggested reducing the area proposed dramatically, with the core of the new park being the current Galloway Forest Park and extending to the surrounding hills.
“This is an area of pretty much wild land stretching roughly from Newton Stewart to Dalmellington,” he told The Scotsman. “You have the Merrick Hills and the Dungeon Hills. It’s a contiguous area of wild mountainous land.
Its lightly farmed, little forested and has no wind turbines. It has striking mountain scenery, plenty of wildlife and established walking and cycling routes. “It’s quite untouched wild landscape there, which means a lot that would merit national park status.
” He said most of the land in the area was already state owned with.