Extension sought for national park report delivery

An extension is being sought for the submission of a report to the Scottish government on proposals to make Galloway the country's third national park.

NatureScot is in talks seeking approval to deliver its findings after the current deadline of 28 April.

It said that since the consultation period on the proposals had been taken from 12 to 14 weeks it was seeking a "small extension".

Once it delivers its report the Scottish government will decide whether or not to take the plans forward.

Scotland currently has two existing parks in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

Consultation on whether to create another one in Galloway closed on 14 February.

NatureScot is currently examining the responses to that before delivering its report to the Scottish government.

The proposals have proved controversial in the region with a campaign against the move being formed shortly after it emerged as the preferred site.

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

The next phase in the process will see NatureScot deliver its findings on the 14-week consultation to the Scottish government.

It will then decide whether to take the project forward.

Even if it does so, the process would include further consultation before the designation could be achieved by the spring of 2026 at the earliest.