Results announced for National Park Authority Board Local Elections

Five newly locally elected members of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Board have been confirmed. The elections, open to all residents of the National Park ran from 14 May and closed on Thursday 9 July and were administered by Stirling Council on behalf of the National Park Authority. The successful candidates have now been confirmed following an official count event held at National Park Authority Headquarters in Balloch.

Announced by Depute Returning Officer for Stirling Council Siobhan Wilson, the newly elected Board Members are: Shonny Paterson representing Cowal and North Loch Lomond ward, Daisy King representing Callander ward, and David Mackie, representing East Loch Lomond and Port of Menteith ward. Incumbent Board Member David Fettes was the successful candidate in Breadalbane and The Trossachs ward, and Louise Ewing will represent West Loch Lomond and Balloch ward – both are elected unopposed as only one valid nomination was received for each ward.

Average voter turnout for the 2026 National Park Authority Local Elections across the 3 contested wards was 33.2%. Average voter turnout for the same three wards in the 2022 Local Elections was 31.5%.

Heather Reid, National Park Authority Convenor said: “Congratulations to all five newly locally elected Board Members, and my thanks to everyone who stood as a candidate and to every resident who voted. The strong field of candidates and good local turnout this year are exactly what a healthy local democratic process for the National Park Authority needs.

“These five members bring fresh energy, local knowledge lived experience and unique expertise directly to the strategic decisions that will protect this landscape’s future. Alongside our returning members and the new Scottish Government’s appointees, we now have a full Board ready to continue delivering the goals set out in our National Park Partnership Plan.

“New members will complete their induction and training, and I know they’ll bring the curiosity, care and fresh perspective needed to sustain and protect a National Park that works for both people and nature.”

National Park Board Member Daisy King said: “Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. I am very excited about this incredible opportunity.”

National Park Authority Board Member Louise Ewing said: “I’m delighted to join the National Park Authority Board as the Local Member for West Loch Lomond and Balloch. I would like to thank those who have supported me during this process.

“I have lived in Balloch all my life and I am now raising my family here. This lifelong connection gives me a deep understanding of our community, its history, and the opportunities and challenges we face. I care greatly about the future of this area and want to work together with my fellow board members and the National Park Authority staff to help shape a community where both people and nature can thrive.

“I look forward to contributing to a future where our area remains a great place to live and work, where nature is protected and restored, and where decisions are made transparently and collaboratively. I will bring curiosity, commitment, and a genuine care for both people and place, representing our community with integrity and helping to drive meaningful, positive change.”

David Mackie said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be re-elected and truly grateful for all the support and messages I have received. Over the past four years I have learnt a great deal, and I’m looking forward to putting that experience to good use over the next four years. I’d also like to congratulate Dave Acari and Gregor Cameron for standing, and thank everyone who took part in the election process.”

National Park Authority Board Member Shonny Paterson said: “I’m delighted to have been re-elected to the National Park Board. It’s a privilege to continue representing Ward 1, and I’m truly grateful to everyone who voted for me and placed their trust in me once again.

“Protecting our outstanding environment while supporting sustainable and thriving communities remains extremely important to me. Affordable housing, improved transport links and greater support for local businesses will continue to be among my key priorities, and I will work constructively to ensure that those who live and work within the National Park have a strong voice.

“I also look forward to working closely with my fellow Board members and officers over the coming term to achieve these aims and deliver positive outcomes for our communities and the National Park.

“Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my lovely wife for her unwavering support. Much of what she does happens quietly in the background, but without her encouragement, patience and all the help she gives me, I would not be able to devote the time and commitment required to serve on the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Board. I am deeply grateful for everything she does.”

The five locally elected National Park Authority Board members begin their four-year term on the Board with immediate effect and will be joined on the 17-member Board from November 1st by five new members, Susan Davies, Alan Hendry, Amanda McGuigan, Sarah Robinson and Dr Hannah Rudman – appointed earlier this year by the Scottish Government.

The National Park Authority Board is responsible for guiding the overall strategic direction of Scotland’s first National Park – making decisions about planning, access, nature restoration and the long-term future of a precious landscape that is home to more than 15,000 people and visited by over 4.5 million people every year.

Of our 17 Board members, five are directly elected by the people who live in the National Park, making these elections an important and meaningful democratic opportunity. The five locally elected members sit alongside six local authority nominees and six Scottish Government appointees, ensuring that local voices and lived experience help shape the strategic direction of the National Park. 

For further information on the elections result visit Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Local Board Member Elections 9 July 2026 | Stirling Council  and for further information on role of the National Park Authority Board visit our website.