press release

Hands Off Our Hills (HOOH) – Official Statement Regarding the Galloway National Park Proposal and Industrial Wind Turbine Sites.

30th September 2024

As an organisation, Hands Off Our Hills maintains a neutral stance on the proposal for the Galloway National Park. We recognise that there are potential benefits and negatives to a National Park, and there are varied opinions on the matter. However, as an organisation, it is important that we remain impartial and open to all perspectives.

While we acknowledge that the creation of a National Park may not directly prevent wind turbine developments, historical evidence from other National Parks shows that it could help slow the volume of applications and approvals for such projects. We are not trying to mislead anyone on this point, but rather provide a balanced view based on factual information.

The Scottish Government is currently reviewing potential amendments to the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), which may allow renewable energy projects, including wind turbines, to be considered within newly designated National Parks. However, it is important to highlight that this proposal has emerged from a limited consultation process, with approximately 50 responses received across Scotland.

This limited engagement raises concerns about the transparency and inclusiveness of the process. Any amendments to a National Framework such as NPF4 should follow established procedures, ensuring broad consultation, full transparency, and adherence to proper regulatory guidelines. This includes allowing for thorough public and stakeholder participation, ensuring that all voices are heard, and that the changes reflect a comprehensive and balanced approach to national planning, this doesn’t seem to be the case in this instance and Hands Off Our Hills will be questioning the process.

It is important to clarify that while Paragraph 4(B) of NPF4, as of 13th February 2023, states that “development proposals for wind farms in National Parks and National Scenic Areas will not be supported,” this does not amount to a blanket prohibition. Rather, it indicates a presumption against such developments but does not entirely preclude their consideration under exceptional circumstances.

To date, no large-scale wind turbines have been constructed in Scotland’s two existing National Parks—Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, and the Cairngorms. The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 ensures that any development in these protected areas undergoes rigorous scrutiny, distinct from developments outside National Park boundaries, particularly with regard to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Any potential changes to NPF4 would not guarantee the approval of wind turbines within newly designated National Parks, such as the proposed Galloway National Park. Rather, these amendments would allow for the possibility of renewable energy projects being considered “if required,” introducing flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the planning process. Speculation regarding the removal or amendment of Paragraph 4(B) remains premature, as no draft publication has been made public to date.

Crucially, future applications for industrial wind turbine sites would still be subject to stringent assessment, including compliance with the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Wind Turbine Spatial Framework, which continues to classify National Scenic Areas as Group 1—areas where wind farms “will not be acceptable.” There is currently no proposals to change or modify the Wind Turbine Spatial Framework and Hands Off Our Hills will continue to campaign effectively against such proposals.

We strongly encourage all stakeholders, including the media, and other organisations to engage with the facts and ensure that discussions surrounding the proposed Galloway National Park and potential renewable energy developments remain accurate and well-informed. Misrepresentation of these facts can cause unnecessary confusion and hinder meaningful dialogue, potentially bordering on illegal behaviour. It is important that individuals conducting research do not rely on shared comments or opinions presented as factual evidence, but instead seek out verified information to contribute constructively to the ongoing discussions.

As an organisation, Hands Off Our Hills remains committed to our core campaign goals, but we also recognise the importance of continued and constructive dialogue with key stakeholders, including NatureScot, the Energy Consents Unit, the Galloway National Park Association, and renewable energy companies. It is crucial that we use every opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard in the management of renewable energy projects within the Galloway Hills. Should a Galloway National Park be established, we stand ready to engage with any changes that may arise and if required adjust our campaign accordingly.

We will continue to facilitate open discussion regarding the proposed Galloway National Park on our platforms, but we kindly request that all members, stakeholders, and media respect our organisation’s neutral stance. We also ask that unwarranted behaviour is avoided, we fully understand that becoming a National Park would not stop wind turbine developments and nor are we attempting to state otherwise, what we are stating is that it could potentially slow down the current onslaught of applications and approvals that are occuring across the whole of Dumfries and Galloway.

Please note that personal views expressed by our administrators should not be misconstrued as official positions of Hands Off Our Hills, we are all entitled to our own personal opinions outside our administrative roles, and we openly allow our team members to put forward their personal opinions.

Any official stance by Hands Off Our Hills will be communicated in the same formal manner as this statement.

We unequivocally assert that the Galloway Hills are not for sale. These hills do not belong to any individual, corporation or organisation, and we strongly oppose any attempts by large international companies to acquire or exploit this land. The Galloway Hills are an invaluable part of our natural heritage, and we are dedicated to safeguarding them from commercial exploitation. Our position is clear: the Galloway Hills are not a commodity. Hands Off Our Hills will continue to stand against any efforts to sell, industrialise, or damage this unique landscape and its areas of historical significance.

We hope this statement clears up any misconceptions, false assumptions and misquoted phrasing that may have arisen about our position. Should anyone wish to clarify our stance further, please do not hesitate to contact us via our website: www.handsoffourhills.co.uk.

Kind regards,
Hands Off Our Hills