2 May 2013

In the first of a three-part documentary series, TV actress and presenter Caroline Quentin visits Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Her new series sees Caroline visiting three of the most popular British National Parks to celebrate some of the areas of outstanding natural beauty right on our doorstep.

Caroline took part in a number of activities during her stay including camping on Inchcailloch, one of the islands on Loch Lomond. She was joined by National Park volunteers and rangers, Sandra Hutchison and Beverly Clark who help monitor bat populations on the island. Viewers will see Caroline help ring a roost of three-week old barn owl chicks with National Park ranger Steven Kenney and Barn owl expert Mike Steward. She even braves a dip in Loch Lomond with wild swimming enthusiast, National Park ranger Matt Drew.

The programme also features the Loch Lomond sea plane, Inveraray Highland Games and Loch Lomond Golf Club all topped off with Caroline dancing the night away at a ceilidh at Kinlochard.

Caroline Quentin’s National Parks airs on Tuesday 7 May on ITV at 8pm.

BEAR Scotland, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, is carrying out essential carriageway maintenance on the A83 Trunk Road, at the top of the Rest and be Thankful, as shown on the location map.

The work commenced on Tuesday 7 May 2013 and is due for completion on Friday 17 May 2013.

The proposed works will be carried out from Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm, to minimise the impact on weekend traffic. During this period, the Trunk Road will be reduced to one lane with a 10mph convoy system in operation to allow safe passage through the works.

1 May 2013

Now in its 6^th year, an operation to crack down on antisocial behaviour in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park was launched ahead of the May bank holiday weekend. This year marks the first year Tayside, Central and Strathclyde Police forces will act as one single service under Police Scotland in the National Park. Operation Ironworks provides high profile patrols which promote responsible behaviour in the countryside. It runs in partnership with rangers from Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and Forestry Commission Scotland.

During the high pressure months visitors to the National Park are sure to receive a warm welcome to popular sites across the area and experience a safe and enjoyable time. Over the past five years, Operation Ironworks has successfully reduced antisocial behaviour in some of the most heavily used sites across Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. On the east side of Loch Lomond, litter and vandalism has fallen by 90% following successful Ironworks patrols and the introduction of a camping and alcohol byelaw. 

Leading the operation Inspector Gerry McMenemy of Police Scotland said: "The National Park is now more family friendly than ever due to the work that we have carried out since Operation Ironworks started in 2008.Prior to that we knew that families didn't want to come to certain areas of the National Park because of the antisocial behaviour by a minority of people.

"We are preparing for the busiest weekend of the year in terms of visitor numbers to the area. The weather has not been very nice recently and with that changing we are expecting it to be busy. We will have officers out in the area to ensure those intent on committing antisocial behaviour are dealt with swiftly."

 Fiona Logan Chief Executive of the National Park added:

“Operation Ironworks has achieved great things since it started five years ago resulting in many parts of the National Park being responsibly enjoyed by a wide variety of visitors. Throughout 2013, we’re celebrating the Year of Natural Scotland and it’s vitally important that we all play our part in making sure our National Park is looked after. This includes protecting precious wildlife and landscapes that make Loch Lomond and The Trossachs such a special visitor destination.

We look forward to working with Police Scotland and all our partners to make sure people can come and enjoy the National Park and take real pride in having such a fantastic place right on their doorstep.”

Liz Shortall, Communities, Recreation Tourism Manager for Forestry Commission Scotland, said:

“We’re proud to have been involved in this successful initiative. It is a good illustration of how all of the key players – as Partners in the Park – can work together to improve the area for the benefit of visitors, communities and the environment.

Police and rangers will team up to target issues such as vandalism, litter, noise disturbance and traffic offences.

To report matters of anti-social behaviour any of the agencies can be contacted or dial 101 to report crime, get advice or speak with a local officer. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

22 April 2013

Callander Youth Project’s building in Bridgend has recently completed re-roofing works as a result of a grant awarded from the Callander Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) which is jointly funded by the National Park Authority and Historic Scotland.

The building, reputedly dating from the 17th century, is now a hub for community youth projects including an accredited Steps to Work Employability Programme, Community Youth Clubs, Hospitality SVQs and a weekly Job Club, it also provides meeting space, a community cafe and bunk-bed accommodation for youth groups.

The CARS funding completes phase 1 of the project; re-slating of the original building, new leadwork, and rooflight replacement. Further phases will carry out similar works to the remainder of the extended building and re-design of the dormer window above the main entrance.

Callander Youth Project are actively trying to raise funding for the other phases with activities such as a “Sponsor a Slate” initiative, simply  text the phrase CTPT13 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 and sponsor-a-slate, which  you can then write your name on to leave a lasting legacy of your support.

The long and low 2-storey and attic category C listed building has a significant townscape value for Callander and the CARS team have been delighted to be able to make a significant contribution to the repair works and would urge people to get involved in supporting initiatives to complete the works, ensuring this prominent building remains at the heart of the youth and wider community.

Chris Martin, Manager of Callander Youth Project explains how the CARS grant has allowed this first phase of work to proceed:

“We recognise and thank Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park for their continued support. The grant funding is a hugely valuable contribution to our work to improve the well-being and life chances of Callander's young people.  It is important to note this is not a project driven by vanity; currently some areas cannot be used due to leaks which means we are limited at times to the capacity of work we can do. The CARS grant has enabled us to leverage funding from other sources and we are confident with the on-going support of the local community that we will raise the match-funds required to complete the works to the roof before March 2014.”

Gordon Watson, National Park Director of Rural Development and Planning added:

“We are delighted to be able to help the Callander Youth Project and help with funding to carry out essential repairs to this significant historic building. Not only does this funding allow conservation improvements, it also contributes to the wider plans to create a central meeting place for young people to come together in Callander. Both residents and young people expressed concerns at the Callander Charrette regarding lack of facilities and opportunities. We see the Callander Youth Project having an important role to play in providing a good quality of life for our young people and look forward to seeing the Youth Hub go from strength to strength. ”