VARIOUS parties and council candidates have come out in support of the creation of a Galloway National Park. 

37 individual candidates, from all major political parties in the region, have now pledged their backing with a number encouraging Dumfries and Galloway Council to set up a working group to push the proposal forward.

Rob Lucas, chair of the Galloway National Park Association (GNPA), said: "We have been quite overwhelmed not just by the sheer number of election candidates who’ve been coming forward to voice their support, but with the tremendous enthusiasm so many have shown.

"It’s an issue that many of them have thought about deeply and feel will bring enormous benefits to our region. Some have emphasised the business, leisure and tourism opportunities while for others the key issues are to do with the environment, health, wellbeing and climate change.

"As soon as the election is over we will start discussions with councillors about making practical progress towards our common goal of making sure that the new National Park that has been promised by the Scottish Government is in Galloway," he said. 

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