Updates for Businesses – December

£1.2 million investment announced to transform visitor infrastructure across the National Park

We’re delighted to announce £1.2 million investment as part of a series of infrastructure improvements projects, delivering improvements and upgrades to some of the busiest sites across the National Park.

These project investments come as part of the latest phase of our Place Programme, contributing to the National Park Partnership Plan’s objective to provide higher quality assets across publicly managed sites while delivering nature and climate benefits.

Place Programme Projects include:

• Tarbet – building on the existing sustainable travel hub with new cycling facilities, EV charging, and low-carbon amenities.
• Falls of Falloch – construction beginning to tackle congestion, improve safety and parking provision, and restore sensitive woodland habitats.
• Rowardennan – Phase 1 moving forward to deliver a new year-round toilet facilities, e-bike charging, and cycle stands.
• Balloch Pierhead – design planning advancing for shoreline enhancements and improved public spaces.

Stuart Mearns, our Director of Place, said: “These projects are about much more than routine facility upgrades. They’re creating improved, low-carbon infrastructure that balances local and visitor needs, restores nature, and ensures our most popular sites can be enjoyed sustainably now and for future generations.”

Ken Massie, Head of Destination and Sector Development at VisitScotland, added: “The Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund supported projects at Tarbet and Rowardennan will improve the quality of amenities for visitors enjoying the beautiful surroundings and encourage exploring the area by bike.”

Find out more about this £1.2m investment.

 

National Park Authority Board opportunities – live until 5th January 2026

In 2026, the terms of some of our ministerially appointed Board members will end. We are looking to appoint five new Board Members to the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Board. Appointments will be made by Scottish Ministers, with terms starting in November 2026.

The Scottish Government’s Public Appointments team are looking for applicants who share our passion for the people, places and environment of the National Park to help us deliver our ambitious goals.

Joining our Board offers a rewarding opportunity to work with a committed team, contribute to national leadership on climate and nature, and help shape the future of Scotland’s first National Park alongside communities, partners and government.

Candidates with curiosity, commitment and care for people and nature are welcome. We need a Board that reflects the diversity of Scotland – people with lived experience, community insight, specialist skills or leadership from any sector.

Different voices aren’t just welcome – they’re essential, and we need your help to get the word out!

Applications are open until 5th January 2026. Here’s Board member Sarah Drummond to tell us more, and you can watch all other Board Appointment interviews on our YouTube playlist.

 

Nature Hero Dr. Oliver Moore – bonkers for bryophytes!

Our staff are privileged to meet and work with many accomplished people who are passionate about nature restoration, so when our Nature and Land Use colleagues nominated Dr. Oliver Moore to be a National Park Nature Hero, we knew we had to pay attention!

Oliver’s expertise in bryophytes and lichens (mosses and similar plants) is helping us identify areas of rainforest to protect and enhance. Just as important is his enthusiasm and ability to explain them to a wider audience, so we can all appreciate the vital role they play in supporting our environment.

Dr. Oliver Moore said: “When I am scrutinising species through a hand-lens, whether it be a slime mould or a resting micro-moth or some other wonderful being, I reflect on how they have as much right to be on planet Earth as what I have and should be treated with reverence.”

Read Oliver’s full blog to discover more about the wonderful world of bryophytes.

We’re always looking for Nature Heroes to celebrate – Nominate your Nature Hero today!

 

National Park publishes Fee Charter for planning applications

The National Park Planning Service has introduced a Fee Charter that offers reduced planning fees (half fees) for applications made by not-for-profit and social enterprise organisations that contribute to the social enterprise/not for profit objectives. These organisations must carry out activities that benefit society. This change will mainly help charities and community development trusts.

Fee Reduction for Community Projects
Reduced fees also apply to applications for projects that improve the health and wellbeing of residents. This includes things like:

• Bike parks
• Skate parks
• Children’s playgrounds
• Bike trails
• Pump tracks
• Public path improvements

Information on Other Planning Fees
The Fee Charter also provides information on all other planning application fees. It’s a helpful resource for:

• Applicants
• Agents
• Members of the public

The Fee Charter will be updated every year to reflect any fee increases set by the Scottish Government.

Approval of the Fee Charter
The National Park planning committee approved the Fee Charter in their meeting held in November 2025.

Find out more details on how to apply for reduced fees and other planning information.

 

More news for businesses in the National Park

• Visitor Levy Update
  The Scottish Government plans to amend the Visitor Levy Act, giving councils more flexibility in how levies are set and applied. The bill is expected in 2026, and the full government statement can be read on their website.Support for Agritourism
  A £1m Agritourism Investment Scheme will open early next year, offering grants up to £100k. The sector in Scotland has already exceeded 2030 targets, with £292m value and 2.5m visitors. More details on agritourism and the AIS grant scheme are available to help farmers and crofters explore opportunities and plan future projects.Climate Change Adaptation Manual
  VisitScotland and Historic Environment Scotland have launched a toolkit to help heritage tourism businesses adapt to climate change impacts and strengthen resilience. Practical training will also be offered. Full guidance and resources are available to help educate organisations and their staff.

  Business Support – Accessible Tourism
  VisitScotland has released new resources showing how inclusive practices improve customer satisfaction and reputation. Support includes real business stories, a video, and an Access Guide to help organisations share clear accessibility information so disabled customers can assess how well their needs will be met.