5 July 2010

 

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park has three new locally elected Board Members following an election count held in Balloch on 1 July. Stirling Council organised the election process with Bob Jack presiding as Returning Officer.

 

David McCowan from Luss was elected to Ward 5 (West Loch Lomond and Balloch) with 377 votes. Representing Ward 3 (Callander) David Warnock was successful with 596 votes. David McKenzie from Kilmun was unopposed and becomes the third new board member representing Ward 1 (Cowal and North Loch Lomond)

 

Returning to the National Park Board are Willie Nisbet (Ward 4 East Loch Lomond and Port of Menteith) and Owen McKee (Ward 2 Breadalbane and the Trossachs) who were unopposed.

David McCowan: “I would like to thank all those who voted for me in what was a close run vote. I look forward to bringing a different perspective to the Park Authority, helping them achieve the goals set out in the Park vision and liaising with the local community to ensure that the local residents’ interests are duly respected and that they understand the methods and reasoning behind decisions taken. The Park has come a long way since its inception and while its popularity and recognition increases so too do the opportunities and threats which have to be managed accordingly.”

David Warnock: “'I'm delighted to have been elected to the Board of Scotland's first National Park. I would like to thank the people of the Callander area for recognising the importance of this election and for voting in such large numbers. The result gives me a very strong mandate as a locally elected Board member which I intend to make good use of and fulfil.  The interest shown in the election also sends a very powerful signal to the Park Authority that the people of Callander intend to engage fully over the next four years in what will be an extremely important period in the Park's development.”

David McKenzie: “I am delighted to join the Board of the National Park. I hope that my experience in business and my passion for renewable energy and for all things connected to our historic heritage will enable me to make a positive contribution to the progress of the Park. I believe that the Park Authority and the communities within the Park, working together, can bring economic and environmental benefits to Park residents and visitors”.

 

In Callander 2,622 ballot papers were issued with 1,223 returned resulting in a 46.64% turnout. In West Loch Lomond and Balloch, 2,403 papers were issued with 691 returned resulting in a 28.76% turnout.

 

The new members will take up their duties with immediate effect.