One of southern Scotland’s most respected estate owners has called on the public and landowners to support the creation of a new National Park in Galloway, South and East Ayrshire.
Mark Gibson OBE, who was named “Countryman of the Year” in 2009, has spent 24 years restoring and reviving the 3,000-acre Craigengillan Estate in East Ayrshire, on the banks of Loch Doon.
But his work has been about more than building a self-sufficient estate – Mark has a track record for social engagement, economic regeneration, promotion of countryside access, charitable and educational projects.
And he sees the current public consultation on the creation of a new National Park as a huge opportunity for the region – a chance to protect and enhance its natural assets and harness them to build a brighter, more sustainable future.
He said: “National Park status would enhance our ability to do much more for the region and to create a better future for so many people, particularly younger people and future generations.”
Indeed, he feels that ownership comes with an obligation to steward Scotland’s land in ways that promote social inclusion, wellbeing and opportunity.
He said: “Being a landowner involves responsibilities. You cannot give yourself precedence over the interests of nature and of local people – all the more so in an area where we have such a rapidly ageing population and so many of our young are leaving because the prospects are so poor.
“National Parks are very good at bringing people together to collaborate in the interests of nature, the environment and the community, and that’s very much what we need.”
Mark has long been committed to the idea of a National Park and is a patron of the Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) which has been campaigning for designation since 2017.
He was also involved in the efforts to rescue Dumfries House, has been closely involved with the Scottish Forestry Trust and the UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.
His firm belief is that a National Park could prove a powerful force in bringing together and strengthening existing conservation work, as well as allowing the funding of new ones.
In addition, he believes it would be a source of many new jobs and business opportunities, not least because local producers and service providers could market themselves under a new National Park brand.
Having worked to help with economic regeneration efforts for the village of Dalmellington, which suffered badly when mining came to an end, he is acutely aware of the need to develop new, fulfilling and sustainable sources of employment.
Mark is praised on the Scottish Land and Estates website as “a dedicated and caring landowner who has gone ‘above and beyond’ in successful efforts to restore Craigengillan Mansion, Dalmellington, and develop its extensive policies as a prosperous business and for the benefit of locals and visitors.”
He has multiple future ambitions, including the creation of a Rural Skills Centre, a Mountain Bike centre and a new and even better Dark Skies Observatory, to replace the one which was destroyed in a fire.
This is in addition to the work that has already taken place in planting millions of native trees, restoring the estate’s cottages and other buildings, creating new footpaths, running conservation projects, organic farming and providing a base for a multitude of outdoor pursuits.
The Craigengillan Estate has existed for around 400 years, but its fortunes retreated in the 20th century and its revival has been a labour of love.
Mark said: “There was a lot of disrepair when I first found it, but there was a magic too – a bit like a sleeping beauty.
“Underneath all the dereliction you could see the beauty that there was in all sorts of ways – in the landscape, in the amazing wildlife habitats, in the historic buildings.
“Much has been achieved, but so much more is possible.
“And I firmly believe that a National Park would make it so much easier for projects all across the region to succeed and bring so many benefits to our region.”
To take part in the 14-week National Park consultation please visit here.
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