Extra time allowed for national park consultation

Galloway is being proposed as Scotland's third national park

The Scottish government has confirmed it has extended the consultation period on proposals to make Galloway the country's third national park.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said it would run for 14 weeks rather than the usual 12 weeks.

She said the government had taken on board concerns that people might be busy with other things over the Christmas and New Year period.

Consultation on the proposal is scheduled to begin next week.

The Scottish government announced the area as the potential location for a new national park in July.

It would join the two existing ones at the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

However, the proposal has proved a divisive one with a campaign against the move set up in the region.

Supporters argue it could have "transformational" benefits but opponents fear increased bureaucracy, rising house prices and an inability to cope with more tourism.

'Extremely important'

Mairi Gougeon said it was "extremely important" that the government was able to hear from people living and working in the area.

She said the residents of Galloway and South and East Ayrshire should have the opportunity to discuss the issues and consider whether they wanted a national park and, if so, what the boundaries should be.

The consultation has been extended by a fortnight in order to "allow as many people as possible to have their say".

"I recognise the significant public interest in this proposal and I am aware that there is both support and opposition," she said.

"Everyone's views will be listened to and taken into account and I would encourage everyone with an interest to engage with the consultation process in a constructive and respectful way."