Updates for Businesses – May

Plotting a map to the future – preparing our new Local Development Plan

Through the National Park Partnership Plan you helped us shape a vision for the future of the National Park as ‘a thriving place that’s nature positive and carbon negative by 2045’.  The new Local Development Plan will plot a course to help get us there by mapping out where things should and shouldn’t happen in the National Park in terms of both development and how land is used.

This new Local Development Plan that we are in the early stages of developing will, for the first time, bring together priorities for both development and land use in the National Park. This means it will guide decisions on new development like housing, tourism and infrastructure such as renewable energy schemes, as well as influence how land is used and invested in, to support our collective work to tackle the climate and nature crises.

While we are at the early stages of preparing the new Local Development Plan, we have updated our Development Plan Scheme, which shares the full timeline for preparing the Plan, as well as information on the different stages involved. You can find out more about the process on this updated Local Development Plan page on our website.

We’re planning our engagement to share more information on the Local Development Plan from May – July 2025.  We will be hosting in-person workshops across the National Park for community organisation representatives and local stakeholders. There will also be an online briefing open to all. People can express interest in attending by completing this form by 9th May.

Future Nature Landscape Connections Initiative

Plans to deliver our Future Nature aims of restoring a living network of nature and people to build thriving communities and business through a multi-year National Lottery bid are progressing.

Working alongside Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust and RSPB Scotland, we are preparing a Future Nature Landscape Connections Initiative to address shared threats and opportunities across three National Park landscape partnerships: Loch Lomond Rainforest; Wild Strathfillan; The Great Trossachs Forest.

Two initial community engagement events in March allowed 48 participants to share views from a range of perspectives including land managers, community workers, youth agencies, campaigners, environmental organisations, access groups and businesses.

Activities to address shared threats and opportunities are being scoped, including invasive non-native species, herbivore pressures, woodland restoration, green economies, green skills & jobs, community benefit, and nature experiences & engagement. These will form part of an 18-month development phase involving further evidence gathering and consultation.

Investment in visitor infrastructure at Tarbet, Loch Lomond

Following investment including £750,000 from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, the visitor site at Tarbet Loch Lomond has had a significant upgrade, transforming it into a sustainable low-carbon destination with expanded facilities for the community and for visitors.

The arrival of spring and warmer temperatures means that the contractor can return to complete the seeding of the wildflower meadow and amenity grass areas at Tarbet. Our contractor has a two year contract to establish the areas once they are seeded, there will still therefore be some patches of bare earth this first visitor season – so we are reminding visitors to bear with us whilst the new habitats start to grow.

Following re-opening to the public, a busy spring has allowed us to learn lots about how visitors interact with the changes. The improved vehicle circulation is working really well to reduce conflicts between different types of users with complimentary feedback from site operators, coach companies and motorhome users. The two new Motorhome Permit areas have proved very popular having been fully booked since the end of March. We have been collecting feedback from local stakeholders and our own observations on any issues as they arise.

Any issues experienced on site have so far have been during the peak busy, sunny periods we experienced recently. Unfortunately, we’ve seen scorched picnic tabletops from disposable BBQs being placed directly on them, vehicles parking in coach bays or on pedestrian areas at peak times and there have been teething issues with how the hot coals bin is being used. All good learning and things we can work to prevent going forward. We will be working with stakeholders to consider how the design and management of the site are working, and where needed we will take appropriate action, for example we have already installed additional ‘coach parking only’ signage and have started the process to have protective hot plates installed on the picnic tables that don’t have outdoor cooking stations next to them.

Installation of Electric Vehicle rapid chargers through the BMW/National Parks UK ‘Recharge in Nature’ Partnership are now progressing. Site network upgrades were originally scheduled for February 2025 by SSE however these have been delayed due to network operator priorities caused by Storm Eowyn. We are working with BMW to ensure that the EV charging units are ready for deployment as soon as the electrical connections are complete.

The new defibrillator that was requested by the local Community Development Trust and provided as a community benefit by the Clark Contracts is now up and running with the potential to save lives. A collaboration with local Heart Start volunteers and supplier Well Medical, saw pupils from Arrochar Primary School take part in a competition to design the defibrillator housing, with P7 pupil Paige Mundie’s winning design celebrated in the local press.

Introducing: Nature Connections – Our New Campaign to Restore Nature, Together

This week we launched our new Nature Connections campaign – an invitation for everyone to build deeper, more personal connections with nature in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

As we all face the effects of the global climate and nature crises, Nature Connections offers hope – showing how simple, everyday moments in nature can boost our wellbeing and support nature’s recovery.

Simon Jones, our Director of Environment and Visitor Services, said:
“Our Nature Connections campaign recognises that although the global climate and nature crises can feel overwhelming, meaningful impact can be achieved through individual experiences and personal relationships with nature. The campaign highlights how simple, everyday interactions with nature can enhance our wellbeing while also contributing to environmental restoration. Put simply, nature protects us if we protect nature.

“Central to this campaign is our ‘Nature Needs Heroes’ initiative, celebrating extraordinary individuals whose passion and dedication demonstrate the powerful impact of local, personal action. Their inspiring stories remind us that safeguarding our environment isn’t just about broad policies, strategies, or targets – it’s also about people taking meaningful action locally.

“Each of us can positively influence both our wellbeing and the natural world through everyday actions in nature, and we encourage everyone to find inspiration in these stories and take their own steps towards forging their own nature connections across the National Park.”

💡 At the heart of the campaign is our Nature Hub – a free online resource packed with:

✅ Family-friendly guides & outdoor activities
✅ Ranger-led walks & events
✅ Real-life stories from inspiring local people making a difference
✅ Easy actions & activities you can take – whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours

🌟 We’re also celebrating real-life Nature Heroes – incredible individuals like:
• Robert Marshall – long-time volunteer maintaining the West Highland Way
• Sarah Heward – café owner leading a local litter-picking movement
• Fiona Boath – volunteer health walk leader supporting mental health through nature

📢 Know someone who deserves to be recognised as a Nature Hero?
Nominate them today and explore how you can get involved: https://bit.ly/3EuNnuk

Sallochy Campsite

Last week, we announced that this visitor season, the beautiful Sallochy Campsite, located on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, will join Loch Chon, Loch Achray, and Inchcailloch as one of the National Park Authority’s official campsites.

Previously managed by our partners at Forestry and Land Scotland, visitors can now book a pitch at Sallochy directly through our website, and it’s already proved to be a hit, with almost 250 bookings made within the first week!

Set beside a small beach on the West Highland Way, with stunning views across the loch towards the Arrochar Alps – Sallochy is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy the scenery, take a peaceful stroll, and maybe even spot some local wildlife.

The campsite offers a more natural, ‘wilder’ camping experience, with basic facilities including composting toilets and drinking water.

Visitor Management update

Camping
Spells of mild and sunny weather have brought many to the National Park, with our campsites and permit areas welcoming high numbers for early spring.
However, that dry, sunny weather bring its own risks, and the drying out of the dead flora increased the risk of wildfires. As a result, we had fire warnings across Scotland for 3 consecutive weeks. During those times the National Park Authority asked visitors and campers not to light outdoor fires or BBQ’s.

Ranger Service
The Rangers Service delivers vital work through a wide range of events, activities, and on-the-ground interaction, and Seasonal Rangers have returned to assist our permanent staff with Visitor Season duties. The group of permanent and new seasonal staff finished their training at the end of March and have been deployed to their offices, gaining valuable experience and knowledge ahead of the upcoming busier months.

Over 2000 loch users have registered their vessels and/or registered as a vessel Master on the new Registration Gateway system, with our staff at Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway trained to support any loch users that require assistance with this process. We are delighted that many users have expressed their appreciation for this support and the hard work that has gone into setting up this system.

Another piece of core work that the Rangers will deliver during the visitor season is water safety events at various locations within the National Park, including during World Drowning Prevention Week 14-21 June, and World Drowning Prevention Day on 25^th July at Loch Lomond Shores. Look out for details on our social media channels.

In the last two months, the Ranger team have delivered 22 volunteering sessions for 88 volunteers contributing 600 hours of path maintenance work and invasive non-native species removal.

Infrastructure and signage
The Visitor Services team has been working hard over the winter to identify and plan for improvements to the camping signage infrastructure within Camping Management Zones. Work has already begun to put this signage in place, which will help provide visitors and campers with clear information and instruction.

More opportunities for businesses in the National Park

Visitor Levy – Stirling Council Survey
Stirling Council’s first phase of engagement on a potential Visitor Levy is open to Sunday 4th May for any businesses, residents and visitors to submit their views.  This Visitor Levy Act gives local authorities the ability to charge a set percentage on overnight accommodation paid by visitors. The results of this engagement and public consultation later this year will help shape what a visitor levy would look like, and the resulting ‘scheme’ will be put to Council in December 2025 for a final decision on whether to introduce the levy, which would enable money to be raised that would be reinvested locally on facilities and services that are used by, or substantially for, leisure and business visitors. This includes infrastructure, events and culture, as well as improvements to destinations that enhance the visitor experience.

Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law will introduce new regulations to ensure public venues and events are better prepared and protected in the event of a future terrorist attack.  The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s law, received Royal Assent on 3rd April.

The Government intends for there to be an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force. This will include establishing a regulator function within the Security Industry Authority (SIA), as well as ensuring those responsible for premises and events have sufficient time to understand their new obligations, allowing them to plan and prepare appropriately.

ASVA launch sector-led Quality Assurance Scheme
The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) have launched a not-for-profit scheme aiming to set world class standards within the visitor attraction sector. The scheme supports attractions of all sizes in delivering world-class visitor experiences, with assessment based on evidence-led criteria shaped by the industry. The quality assurance scheme offers operators star gradings, as well as exclusive training and benchmarking tailored specifically to Scottish attractions, activities, and experiences. Assessment visits will begin June 2025.

Lonely Planet Best of Scotland
Lonely Planet recently included the West Highland Way amongst the ‘14 destinations that reveal the best of Scotland’. The list included Loch Lomond and the iconic long distance walking route, the West Highland Way. The popular and renowned travel guide, which has printed more 150 million books since it was founded in 1973, highlighted Loch Lomond as best in Scotland for a lakeside hike, adding “despite being less than an hour’s drive from the bustle and sprawl of Glasgow, the bonnie braes (banks) of Loch Lomond – immortalized in the words of one of Scotland’s best-known songs – comprise one of the most scenic parts of the country.

“At the heart of Scotland’s first national park, the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods, before it narrows in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains.

And hailed the West Highland Way as the best place for long-distance hiking:

“The best way to absorb Scotland’s landscapes is to walk across them. Expect peaks that tower over lochs and sea cliffs that gaze over the wind-whipped sea, yes – but also short woodland trails and charming strolls through valleys dusted with purple heather. At the top of many hikers’ wish lists is the 96-mile (155km) West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William, a weeklong walk through some of the country’s finest scenery that finishes in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis”.

Steamship Sir Walter Scott Named Flagship of the Year
The historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott has been named Flagship of the Year 2025 by National Historic Ships UK, a prestigious accolade recognising excellence in maritime conservation. The honour coincides the Steamship’s 125th anniversary year. As part of the award, she will proudly fly a special Flagship pennant and display an historic Flagship of the Year 2025 plaque throughout her sailing season on Loch Katrine.

Delighted by the recognition, Managing Director Gordon Allan paid tribute to the Steamship’s dedicated team at Loch Katrine:

“This is a great boost for the charitable trust that for the past 20 years has looked after the steamer, and for all the engineers, crew, and support staff who keep her sailing and in pristine condition. 125 years on from her launch, it’s a great accolade for this much-loved Steamship, enjoyed by the many thousands of visitors who step aboard each year.”

The award adds to the excitement at Loch Katrine ahead of a special Steamboat Festival taking place from 6th–8th June to mark the 125th anniversary. The event will feature a flotilla of smaller steamers, special cruises, and family-friendly activities onshore at Trossachs Pier. In presenting the award, National Historic Ships UK praised the Steamship for her enduring service—operating three passenger cruises daily on Loch Katrine—her cultural significance in celebrating the legacy of Sir Walter Scott, and the remarkable fact that she is still powered by her original triple-expansion steam engine after 125 years.