WHEN I first learned of the proposals for a Galloway National Park in 2018, I initially thought it sounded like a promising idea – an opportunity to protect a vast area of natural beauty, stimulate economic growth, and achieve much more. However, after conducting some research at the time, I discovered that the establishment of a National Park was likely to bring more disadvantages than benefits.
I heard nothing more for six years and thought “phew – dodged a bullet there” – until July. “Galloway chosen as proposed National Park” was splashed across headlines, local and national, and I felt a little blindsided.
Reading the proposals and finding the “It’s Our Time” document, it seemed as though that they had an assured support from young people across Galloway and that a National Park was going to be the best thing since sliced bread for us. Reading one of the documents, they state that “The views of young people have been sought via a series of National Park-related projects in local schools”. I was in a local school during 2018 and the eight years prior to that and have categorically never been involved in any National Park project, activity or consultation of any kind.
Further to that, I served as the elected member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Galloway and West Dumfries from 2021 to 2024 and was also a member of the Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council, where I held the position of vice chair for part of that time. To my knowledge, that organisation, which represents thousands of young people, was never consulted or contacted by the Galloway National Park Association (GNPA). Upon contacting both the current and former chairs, it was confirmed that no engagement with the youth council has occurred since its formation in April 2019.
To give the GNPA some credit, they did engage with young people in 2018 during the Year of Young People, however, those who were consulted have described the experience as a mere “tick-box exercise” and felt that the discussions lacked substance.
So, I can’t help feeling that this proposal is 1. Undemocratic, 2. Unnecessary, and 3. Could be detrimental to the future of our communities.
One of the main concerns for many young people in Galloway is the lack of job opportunities – hence why so many leave the area. The creation of a National Park could exacerbate this problem. While supporters of the park argue that it will boost tourism, the reality is that tourism jobs are often seasonal, low-paid, and offer little in terms of career progression. What we need are sustainable, long-term jobs that can support young people and families all year round, not just during the tourist season. Additionally, the restrictions that come with National Park status could stifle other forms of economic development. Agriculture, forestry and renewable energy projects might face new regulations and limitations, making it harder for these industries to grow. For a region that already struggles with economic stagnation, these restrictions could be a step backwards.
Another issue is the potential impact on housing. Young people already face challenges when it comes to finding affordable homes in Galloway, usually because homes are bought up quickly and expensively for second homes or short-term holiday lets. National Parks often come with strict planning regulations that could limit new housing developments. This could make it even harder for young people to stay in the area, pushing them to move elsewhere in search of affordable housing and better opportunities.
We should be focusing on making Galloway a place where young people can build their futures, not a museum of the past. Restricting development under the guise of conservation could lead to a situation where the only people who can afford to live in the area are wealthy retirees or second-homeowners, further eroding the fabric of our communities.
Galloway has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by generations of people who have lived and worked in the area. However, the influx of tourists that a National Park would bring could disrupt this delicate balance. The exploitation of our communities for the sake of tourism might result in the loss of local traditions and a shift in community values. We could see our towns and villages transformed into tourist traps, catering to visitors rather than serving the needs of local people. For young people, maintaining a strong sense of community is vital. We need places where we can come together, support each other and build our lives. The focus should be on strengthening our communities from within, not turning them into attractions for outsiders.
It’s easy to assume that National Park status would automatically lead to better environmental protection, but this isn’t necessarily the case. The increase in tourism could put pressure on the environment, leading to more litter, traffic, and pollution. Local infrastructure may struggle to cope with the influx, causing damage to the very landscapes the park is supposed to protect. Instead of creating a National Park, why not invest in community-led conservation projects that directly involve local people? These initiatives could be more effective in preserving the environment while also creating a sense of ownership and responsibility among local people.
As a young person in Galloway, I want to see our region thrive, but I don’t believe that a National Park is the right way to achieve this. We need to focus on creating opportunities for young people, preserving our communities, and protecting our environment in a way that works for everyone – not just tourists and outsiders. The future of Galloway should be built on sustainable development, affordable housing, and jobs that provide real prospects for young people. Instead of looking to National Park status as a solution, let’s invest in the people who already live here and work together to create a region where young people can stay, grow, and build their futures. Remember that young people are the future, but we are also the now. We need to have a voice around the table, a meaningful voice that’s listened to and taken on board, not just a voice which ticks a box.
For more information about how to properly consult young people and hold young people-friendly meetings, go to www.therightway.scot
Alasdair Marshall
Dumfries
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