NEW Cumnock could become the gateway to Scotland’s newest national park.

The village would be the closest community to the East Ayrshire section of Galloway Park, which has been the focus of an ongoing campaign.

Organisers of the Galloway National Park Association have already held talks with more than 30 different organisations with the latest public meeting taking place at New Cumnock Town Hall.

Mark Gibson of Craigengillan Estate near Dalmellington, a Trustee of the association, said: “People do not always associate Galloway with this part of Ayrshire but historically it was part of the Kingdom of Galloway so don’t be put off by the use of the word Galloway.

“We all share the problems of living in a rural area and in my view this would be a great way for us to work together with our neighbours to find new solutions to common problems”

A recent study carried out by the association suggests that all of Galloway and significant parts of East and South Ayrshire meet the tests to be a national park.

They now want to gauge what people in New Cumnock think, following a map which has been produced which shows a proposed boundary close to the village.

If Galloway National Park becomes a reality, will this boost investment in the area?

This, and many other questions will be discussed at the public meeting in New Cumnock Town Hall on Thursday, June 28, at 7pm.

President of the Galloway National Park Association, Dame Barbara Kelly, said: “At our meetings we explain what a national park can do and why we think it would be a great boost to this area.

“We have held more than 30 meetings with communities found widespread support and enthusiasm for the idea.

“It is now the turn of New Cumnock so we look forward to seeing you next week”.

Visit www.gallowaynationalpark.org for more details.