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Opponents of the proposed Galloway National Park in Scotland have raised concerns over what they describe as deceptive tactics employed by supporters of the plan. According to campaign groups, banners opposing the park have been removed and social media posts blocked or deleted, adding to the growing tensions surrounding the controversial project.
The No Galloway National Park campaign reported instances of their banners being taken down from three locations, while their Facebook posts were flagged as coming from “dangerous individuals or organizations”. Co-founder Liz Hitschmann condemned these actions, stating that such behavior only serves to strengthen their resolve against the park.
Local farmers such as Dawn Millar and Robert Gladstone have also faced similar challenges, with banners on their properties being removed without permission. Millar, who runs a beef and sheep farm near Castle Douglas, had her banner taken down while she was away on holiday. Both farmers criticized these actions as attacks on freedom of speech, with Gladstone going so far as to call it a “criminal act”.
Politicians, including Conservative MP John Cooper and SNP MSP Fergus Ewing, have expressed dismay over the tactics being used in the debate. Cooper highlighted the divisions the park proposal has caused within the community, while Ewing condemned what he referred to as “extremist tactics” and raised concerns about the potential burden on local businesses.
While the Scottish government maintains that the proposal for the Galloway National Park is community-led and enjoys support from local businesses, opposition from farming and rural organizations remains strong. Both NFU Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates have found widespread opposition to the park in the region.
The consultation process led by NatureScot is ongoing, with a final decision expected in April 2025. Critics, however, argue that the consultation lacks transparency and believe that the creation of the park is a foregone conclusion. Despite the challenges they face, campaigners against the park are determined to continue their efforts and are calling for a more equitable consultation process.
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Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.
