Hopefuls react as Loch Awe National Park bid fails

A further investigation will be carried out on Galloway’s suitability which, if successful, will see it awarded National Park status, the first in the UK since 2010.

This means the natural environment of the area will be preserved, something that Loch Awe bidders wanted to counteract and manage the growing prominence of energy projects in the local area. 

The bid’s primary selling point was protecting local biodiversity.

In the coming weeks, NatureScot will lead local consultations on the matter and a boundary for the park will be drawn. The people of Galloway will be able to put forward their views at these consultations, but will not get the casting vote as this will be a nationally designated piece of infrastructure.

Niall MacLeod, who spearheaded the Loch Awe National Park bid, said: "Congratulations go to Galloway. Their long lived and well-oiled campaign was the safe choice for the replacement SNP minister to make.

Rob Lucas, chairperson of Galloway National Park Association, said: “It is fantastic news that the case for Galloway to be proposed as Scotland’s third National Park has been recognised. It would bring transformational economic and environmental benefits to the area and strengthen our communities."

With Galloway the winner of the five horse race for the title, the controversial bid for Lochaber from the Lochaber National Park Working Group is also off the table. 

Since its submission, staunch opposition from ’Lochaber National Park No More’ group has been ever-present, stoking fervent debate in the community.

The opposition say the project was a waste of government funds, arguing that rebuilding Lochaber’s infrastructure was a much higher priority. 

Protests were held in Fort William by members of the group in February and, with Lochaber’s bid failing, campaigners are now celebrating.