An MSP in Galloway has suggested a consultation paper sent to Government Ministers on a proposed national park in the area shows a majority of locals do not support the plans.

Finlay Carson, Conservative MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, said in Holyrood today: "It is my understanding that there is not a majority in favour of the national park proposal and that a full designation order is unlikely to be made."

He added: "The designation process in Galloway has been less than satisfactory.

"There have been significant issues, including a perceived bias and a lack of any detail on how a Galloway national park would or could be different from the two existing national parks, given the area’s hugely important dairy farming, forestry and renewables sectors. That has resulted in mistrust and divisions within communities, which will take years to heal."

In response Gillian Martin, the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy said: "As Mr Carson knows, there was a thorough and comprehensive consultation process—5,000 consultation surveys were completed and more than 30 consultation events were held across the area covered by the proposals, with more than 1,000 people attending.

"The rural affairs secretary has to look at the results of the consultation and take them seriously. An awful lot of information is included in the consultation, and she will advise the Parliament when she is ready to do so."

ITV News Border's Scottish Political Editor, Kieran Andrews, said three well placed sources he'd spoken to suggested the consultation threw "serious doubt over whether the plans can go ahead."

Sources told Andrews that when it came to people in favour, and against, the plans in the consultation the numbers were "close."

But he added: "The fact support is not overwhelming is a big blow to the plans."

Scottish Government Ministers will ultimately make the decision on whether to confirm Galloway as the site for a new National Park.

Last summer Galloway was selected as the proposed site for a new National Park by Scottish Government Ministers.

Nature Scot then launched a consultation speaking to local people and businesses about the proposals. The report has now been presented to Government Ministers - but it's not yet been released to the public.

They have become incredibly controversial, with a 'No Galloway National Park' group set up to oppose the plans. The group has since held protests and attracted thousands of followers on social media.

In February, Dumfries and Galloway Council said it was 'undecided' on whether the plans should go ahead.