Updates for Businesses – March

Visitor Levy Consultations

Stirling Council has joined Argyll and Bute Council and West Dunbartonshire Council in consulting with residents, visitors, businesses and tourism operators on the possible introduction of a visitor levy, which could help fund public services and infrastructure that support tourism.

Kenny Auld, our Head of Visitor Services, said: “The tourism industry is vital to the National Park’s economy and provides significant employment opportunities to our communities.

“We understand that change is needed to continue to support the tourism industry, and we welcome the opportunity to work closely with local authority partners and relevant stakeholders to explore options for the introduction of a visitor levy.”

If you’d like to contribute to Stirling Council’s visitor levy consultation, you can submit your views online.

Or, attend one of the in-person events:

• Stirling (Friday 14 March 2025, 11am-6pm, Albert Halls)
• Killin (Tuesday 18 March 2025, 11am-6pm, McLaren Hall)
• Callander (Wednesday 9 April 2025, 11am-6pm, Callander Youth Project)
• Drymen (Wednesday 16 April 2025, 11am-6pm, Drymen Village Hall).

Argyll & Bute Council’s consultation is live until 10th April.

Perth & Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee approved a motion to begin early engagement on the possibility of a Perth and Kinross Visitor Levy Scheme. Further details are yet to be announced on timescales for engagement activity.

West Dunbartonshire Council’s stage 1 consultation closed on 28th February, look out for stage 2.

Trossachs Explorer Pilot – Evaluation Report Findings

Last summer, the Trossachs Explorer took to the roads, allowing visitors and residents to travel to areas of the National Park usually only accessible by car.

The pilot project aimed to reduce car dependency, and provide an accessible, sustainable transport option for visitors, residents, and workers.

Since then, an independent evaluation by University of Strathclyde, based on 29 stakeholder interviews, 195 public survey responses, insights from 11 Volunteer Rangers, and ticket data, has provided a detailed assessment of the pilot’s impact. Key findings include:

✅ Improved accessibility – making remote trails & destinations more reachable
✅ Strong community & business support – boosting local connections
✅ Convenient & reliable travel – offering an easy, friendly alternative to cars
✅ Environmental benefits – supporting sustainable tourism
✅ Positive branding – creating a trusted, high-quality transport service

Want to know more? Read the full evaluation and recommendations.

What’s next?
We’re exploring options for a 2025 return, and we’ll provide further updates when we have a clearer picture of the 2025 pilot’s feasibility.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you again to all those partners, stakeholders, business, residents and locals for their invaluable support in making the 2024 pilot a success.

The Trossachs Explorer project was delivered in partnership with Stirling Council and supported by local businesses, community groups, and bus operator Midland Bluebird , the pilot was funded by BMW UK Recharge in Nature partnership with National Parks UK, and Paths for All Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund, with backing from The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland.

Special Landscape Qualities

At Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, we’re committed to safeguarding the landscapes that define our region – from iconic lochs and ancient woodlands to the dramatic mountains and glens that inspire so many.

Working alongside NatureScot and Cairngorms National Park Authority, we’ve developed new guidance to assess how developments and land use changes might impact the Special Landscape Qualities of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas (NSAs) and National Parks.

This framework will ensure that as our landscapes evolve, they continue to be carefully managed, conserved, and enhanced – so that future generations can experience their beauty and significance – as we do today.

Read the new guidance in full.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig/World Gaelic Week

Last month we celebrated Seachdain na Gàidhlig – World Gaelic Week, with an array of activities that celebrated the rich language, and its impact in the National Park.

From our staff taking part in #SayAGaelicPhraseDay, to Gaelic content creator Somhairle, telling us about the heritage of places in the Park, it was wonderful to see people engage with our Gaelic culture.

We also checked in with two members of staff who last year completed a Beginners Gaelic qualification with Strathclyde University.

Fiona from our Natural Heritage Team, thoroughly enjoyed the course and said: ” It is a complicated language and I think  basic Gaelic should be taught in all schools and work places to allow us to greet each other in Gaelic which would then probably encourage everyone to get more phrases under their belt!”

Myles from our Ranger Service, likes having the foundation knowledge: “Learning Gaelic for me is not about learning to speak it. The background knowledge is more useful as it helps understand place names, allowing me to better understand the Gaelic heritage in Scotland. You sometimes come across negativity about learning Gaelic, however I counter this by explaining that it gives you an understanding of the landscape and places.”

Whether you want to learn a few Gaelic phrases, or gain a more detailed understanding of the language, check out these resources. Businesses may also want to check out The Cleachdi Initiative, which aims to help Gaelic speakers and learners to be more visible to one another and to promote the use of Gaelic in public spaces. There are free resources available to help Gaelic speakers and learners identify each other and to show people they are willing to speak Gaelic including badges, posters and window stickers.

You can also tune in to our YouTube Gaelic playlist

Visitor Management update

The Camping Management Byelaws came into operation on March 1st, opening a new visitor season for the National Park Authority, our communities and Partners.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park – Joint Response Visitor Management Plan 2025
In preparation for the 2025 season, we have prepared our Joint Response Visitor Management Plan. This document provides an overview of the approach that the National Park Authority and partners will take to managing visitor management pressures in 2025 across the busiest time of year.

Visitor Management Groups
As part of our preparations for the coming season we engage with local communities in the park through our Visitor Management Groups (VMGs).  These meetings started early in March and will continue into the start of April.  These meetings provide an opportunity to highlight our visitor management plans for the season and capture useful feedback and insights from the communities around issues they may be facing.

Camping
Around 4% of the National Park falls under the Camping Management Byelaws. These Camping Management Zones (CMZs) often include popular shorelines and areas around the National Park. Within these CMZs, campers require a valid permit to camp between the 1^st of March until the 30^th of September. Impacts from winter storms have delayed the opening of the Three Lochs Forest Drive, Tarbet Isle, and Coilessan permit areas. Once the clearance work has been completed, these sites will be assessed for safety before opening.

The National Park Authority campsites at Loch Chon, Loch Achray, and Inchcailloch will open from the 4^th of April.

Seasonal Communications
Our communications this year will focus on the delivery of two dedicated campaigns throughout the summer months – inspiring connections with nature, and safe and responsible use of Loch Lomond.  We will also use social media channels to share general visitor management updates.

Boots on the Ground
As the season starts, the Ranger Service will welcome back our Permanent Seasonal Rangers (PSRs), along with a mix of contracted and bank Seasonal Rangers. This will bring our seasonal Rangers numbers to 52 this year supporting the work of our permanent Ranger team. Their work will include providing visitor information, visitor management patrolling, enforcing byelaws, providing safety advice on loch and land patrols, assisting those who visit the park have the best experience possible.
We are also joined and supported by seasonal Environmental Officers, weekend support staff, and National Park Volunteers.

Loch Lomond Byelaws
Rangers continue to educate all loch users on the 6 key changes to the Loch Lomond Byelaws, which came into force on 1^st November 2024.
The Boat Team are preparing to install the 5 remaining 6kph zones at Luss, Manse Bay, Milarrochy, Sallochy and Rowardennan with Duck Bay and Balloch Park already in position.

Registration Gateway – online registration
The Ranger Team have worked hard to support the launch of the new online registration system for motorised vessels on Loch Lomond. Following the launch on Monday 24^th February, our Rangers are available in person, over the phone or through the helpdesk to assist users with completion of the onboarding process.

Opportunities for businesses in the National Park

Hospitality Toolkit
Skills Development Scotland and Springboard, with support from the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group, have recently created an online Tourism and Hospitality Toolkit. The toolkit designed to support employers and employees across Scotland’s dynamic tourism and hospitality sector. Whether you’re running a business or working on the front lines, this toolkit provides you with practical resources, guidance, and tools to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the industry.

Meet the Producer Event
March is Food, Drink and Tourism Industry Month, hosted by Central Scotland’s Business Support Organisation STEP and Forth Valley Food and Drink network. Across this month, businesses, buyers and food enthusiasts come together for an exciting programme focused on learning, growth and collaboration, with celebrations culminating in the annual showcase of Stirlingshire’s finest local produce – Meet the Producer. Featuring a mix of well-loved local brands and rising stars, the event provides an opportunity for food buyers to connect with local producers, sample their creations and hear their stories.

Scottish Thistle Awards
Nominations for the Scottish Thistle Awards 2025 opened on Monday 3 March.  The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and collaboration in Scotland’s tourism and events industry, and you can nominate outstanding events, businesses  and individuals you think deserve to be recognised.