Loch Lomond Byelaws Review
Following a thorough review, and 12-week public consultation in 2022, a set of recommended changes to the Loch Lomond Byelaws has been approved by the Scottish Government and the new byelaws will come into force on 1st November, 2024.
The key changes that will come into effect on 1st November, 2024 are:
- the creation of low-speed activity zones at seven near to shore locations
- the compulsory wearing of personal flotation devices (life jackets or buoyancy aids) for everyone under 16, on all vessels, in certain circumstances, such as when on open decks
- a provision that the Registered Owner, or owner, of a power-driven vessel under 5hp is guilty of an offence if someone under 16 in sole command or charge of that vessel acts in such a way that they would have committed an offence if they were an adult
- the introduction of a new Loch Lomond User Registration Scheme, meaning any individual wishing to take command or charge of a registered power-driven vessel must also register their personal details with the National Park Authority in advance.
- removal of the Permission to Trade byelaw – the scope of this byelaw will now focus on businesses who trade in a manner which constitutes a nuisance.
- an amended boundary for the existing 11kph speed zone to the south of Inchtavannach, Inchmoan, and Inchcruin islands.
Until 1st November 2024, the existing byelaws (Loch Lomond Byelaws 2013) will remain in operation.
Loch Lomond is an iconic and special place, for its value to nature and the environment, for the multiple recreation and wellbeing opportunities it offers, and the economic value it provides for the many businesses and communities around it.
Byelaws are in place on Loch Lomond specifically, and not on other lochs in the National Park, because of the levels to which is it used by many different people, to help manage the careful balance between these multiple uses and opportunities. There have been significant changes in the type and volume of recreation activities enjoyed on Loch Lomond, particularly in recent years. While more people enjoying the Loch responsibly is a positive, these changes can increase the potential for conflict between the ways different users want to use the Loch. It is vital that the byelaws are updated to respond to these changes, ensuring they provide clear rules and guidance to support safe and responsible enjoyment of the water and robust deterrents to irresponsible and dangerous behaviours.
In 2022 we launched a public consultation to gather views on changes being proposed to the Loch Lomond Byelaws. The public consultation ran for 12 weeks from Wednesday 27th July 2022 until Wednesday 19th October 2022.