Hi,

 

We had a strong feeling that record numbers would visit the National Park this summer as more people choose to holiday at home and we certainly have been proved right. Our Rangers are speaking to as many visitors as possible and also keeping the 720sq miles of the National Park looking at its best.

 

Ranger teams have been working from 10am to 10pm every day including weekends and in key visitor hotpots such as Luss, Sallochy and Millarochy Bay and Loch Lubnaig to ensure visitors are welcomed. They are also able to share their expert knowledge about the Park and advise people where to visit, the best places to eat and stay and what they can expect to see on their trip.

 

Our water team based on Loch Lomond are doing a great job too having already attended over 93 rescues this season alone. They continue to make sure the byelaws are respected and everyone enjoys this iconic loch. We also have a number of conservation projects the Rangers are involved with including the Cowal Red Squirrel Group and a project to build and monitor barn owl boxes near Balmaha.

 

We have an exciting day on Monday 31 August when we will debate and the board will decide the way forward in helping our local communities better provide for a safer and more enjoyable visit to our busiest places. We’ll be working with our partners including Forestry Commission Scotland and Central Scotland Police to tackle some of our more challenging issues, such as antisocial behaviour and informal camping with innovative and groundbreaking solutions.

 

We are also very pleased to be welcoming Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, following the board meeting on Monday, to have a look at some of the successes and challenges of safeguarding and protecting such a special, beautiful and accessible part of Scotland.

 

So, these are exciting times. With an equally busy winter ahead we hope to make reality some bold solutions to help conserve and protect one of the nation’s favourite places!

 

Warm regards

 

Fiona