The Council approved the appointment of Ross Mclean to the post of Assistant Director of Transport and Infrastructure, adopted Dumfries and Galloway Council's budget for the 2025/26 financial year, and noted the report on the creation of a Galloway National Park.

Appointment of Assistant Director of Transport and Infrastructure

The Council agreed to appoint Ross Mclean to the position of Assistant Director Transport and Infrastructure.

Dumfries and Galloway Council Budget 2025/26 and Future Years

The Council adopted the budget for 2025/26. The budget report stated that the Council faced significant challenges, including:

The unprecedented level of estimated budget gap (currently standing at £23.843m) for 2025/26.

The report outlined several potential savings for consideration by the Council, including:

Reduction in funding to the Third Sector

The report also included an update on the Council's progress towards achieving its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Notice of Motion 1 - Galloway National Park

The Council noted the report on the feasibility of creating a Galloway National Park. The report was compiled in response to a Notice of Motion by Councillor Dougie Campbell that called for a report to be prepared:

considering the potential social, environmental, and economic impact of creating a Galloway National Park.

The report found that the designation of a Galloway National Park would bring several potential benefits, including increased tourism and investment. However, it also noted that:

There is a diversity of opinion on the merits of National Parks

The report noted that before a National Park could be established:

There would have to be widespread support from stakeholders in the area.