CAMPAIGNERS have invited the new Cabinet Secretary in charge of environmental protection on a fact-finding trip after Nicola Sturgeon said she was open to letting the public have their say on a Galloway National Park.

The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) reached out to Michael Matheson, who is the new Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport.

Sturgeon told The Galloway News that she is committed to the target of protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030 and that a Galloway National Park “perhaps has a big part to play in that”.

Rob Lucas, chair of the association (pictured), said: “The First Minister’s comments were hugely encouraging, as is the support of all our local MSPs.

“The time has come to move forward, especially with the COP26 climate change conference being held in Glasgow this year.

“The recent election showed that there is a real enthusiasm for this project both locally and across Scotland.”