8 February 2010

 

In a bid to save some of the most scenic and well known beauty spots in Scotland, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority today (8 February) launched a twelve week public consultation to seek the public’s views on proposed new byelaws that would help local communities, the National Park Authority, its Rangers and the Police to tackle the impacts of irresponsible informal camping and excessive use along the shores of East Loch Lomond. Under the byelaws it will be an offence for any person outside designated sites to pitch a tent or set up any form of shelter including sleeping overnight in a vehicle in the restricted zone.

 

The restricted zone would cover 14 square kilometres and includes the popular sites of Rowardennan, Sallochy Bay, Milarrochy and Balmaha. The proposed byelaws will help bring sites like Sallochy Bay and Rowardennan back to being family friendly and great places for everyone to enjoy.

 

Fiona Logan Chief Executive for Loch Lomond & The National Park, explained the reasoning behind the consultation:

 

“This is undoubtedly some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland and some of the most well known.  We have amazing views along the banks of Loch Lomond but unfortunately, if you take a closer look on a busy summer weekend, you’ll find the remains of tents, burnt down trees, abandoned campfires and countless bags of rubbish. The huge popularity and sheer numbers of people are slowly degrading Loch Lomondside and we have to propose innovative ways to try and save the landscape around us. Most of the issues we face are related to informal camping and we have to look at taking action before the environment so many people enjoy is destroyed forever.

 

The incidents on the east side of the Loch that include drunkenness, vandalism and criminal damage, have meant that the local communities, the NPA and its partners are looking at some innovative measures to deal with issues to try and protect the environment and allow people to have a more enjoyable visit. Our role is to support our communities and to ensure that everyone coming to the National Park has a great experience of this precious place.”

 

The National Park has already introduced measures to address some of the visitor pressures including Operation Ironworks, an award winning initiative from Central Scotland Police, the Park Authority and Forestry Commission Scotland. Fiona added:

 

“Ironworks has been a fantastic success and has seen our Rangers working with Central Scotland Police to carry out joint patrols across the National Park. We appointed a National Park Police Officer to ensure effective joint working across the Park between our communities, the Police and our Rangers. In a UK first, some of our Rangers became employee supported Special Constables.

 

We now need to look at preventative measures as well as enforcement and this is why we have launched the camping byelaws consultation.”

 

Kevin Lilburn, Director of the Buchanan Community Partnership and local resident, gave his support to the consultation: “The local community fully supports the introduction of the new byelaws.  After many years of locals having to deal with the challenging issues associated with informal camping, we are delighted that the National Park is taking positive action to improve the management of visitors to this iconic and beautiful area.”

 

The National Park Authority has been working closely with Buchanan Community Partnership, Forestry Commission Scotland, Central Scotland Police and Stirling Council as part of the East Loch Lomond Visitor Management Group. The camping byelaws are part of a range of measures being taken in the area to enhance the visitor experience and make it a better place for residents to live.

 

Existing commercial caravan and camping sites including Cashel Caravan Park and Campsite and Milarrochy Camping and Caravanning Club will continue to operate as before within the byelaw boundaries.

 

The consultation is open from 8 February to 3 May 2010. To have your say click here.

 

ENDS//

 

Photos of informal campsites including vandalism and litter are available on request.