Visitors reminded not to breach lockdown restrictions this weekend
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “While the Scottish Government has now announced their roadmap setting out gradual easing of lockdown restrictions over the coming months, we are reminding people that there has been no change in the current restrictions at the moment.
“None of the potential changes outlined by the First Minister will come into effect until at least the 28th May at the earliest so for now everyone must continue to stay at home and only exercise locally.
“In terms of the National Park that means people should not be visiting unnecessarily and travelling here from other areas. Similarly people should also not be meeting up with others in groups to have picnics or barbecues in the National Park.
“I know that many people are missing the National Park at this time and with the prospect of lockdown easing it is extremely tempting to head out to some of your favourite places but we must continue to work together as we have been throughout this period to prevent the spread of infection and not put unnecessary pressure on emergency and local services.
“The vast majority of people have been following the guidance but we have started to see a rise in people disregarding the lockdown restrictions within the National Park and this week have had a number of enquiries about sites and facilities reopening.
“All of our visitor facilities including car parks, toilets, the Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway in Balloch and our campsites and camping permit areas remain closed. Police Scotland officers continue to patrol popular areas and we are working with them to share information where issues are being reported to us.
“We are working with our partner public bodies to plan for the next phase together and will only open facilities in line with the Scottish Government’s guidance and when we are confident that it is safe to do so not just for those using them, but for the staff who need to work at these sites and for the communities around them.
“This will be a very gradual process and we will communicate clearly plans on this as they progress. National Park facilities will not be open as normal from next week.
“For now though there is no change and the message remains that must all stay home, stay local, and help save lives. The National Park will be here to welcome you when the time is right.”
For more information go to our Advice for Visitors page