Updates for Businesses – September

Report published recommending ‘Lomond Banks’ planning application is refused

The officer report and recommendation for the major planning application at West Riverside and Woodbank House Balloch was published on Monday 2^nd September, recommending to the National Park Authority Board that the application for Planning Permission in Principle be refused.

The report has been published following a detailed assessment and consideration against key documents, policies and statutory requirements. It concludes that the proposal would result in a significant amount of development that would be in an area of flood risk where no policy exceptions support it.

It would also result in the removal and clearance of trees and woodland without appropriate compensatory planting and would not deliver the required significant biodiversity enhancements that would support wider outcomes to tackle the nature and climate crises as outlined in National Planning Framework 4 and the National Park Partnership Plan.

The report is a recommendation only – the decision on whether to approve or refuse the application for a proposed development at West Riverside and Woodbank House in Balloch will be taken by the National Park Authority Board on Monday 16^th September. A Framework document sets out more detail about the process to be followed on Monday 16th September.

Trossachs Explorer

With just a little over four weeks to go until the end of our summer bus service The Trossachs Explorer, we’re excited to share some highlights with you from the pilot.

Since launching on 1st July, the service has transported over 3000 visitors and locals to areas of the Trossachs that would otherwise have been difficult to reach without a car.

We’ve loved hearing the amazing stories behind the passenger journeys. From people accessing the service entirely by public transport from places as far away as Edinburgh, Oban and East Kilbride, to people who had lost their confidence driving on narrow roads, it’s been wonderful to see how this service has opened up the Trossachs to such a wide array of people. And, we need to give a special shoutout to our National Park Volunteers, who have been great advocates of the service and have been travelling on the route chatting to passengers and telling them about the area.

We’ve also welcomed Scottish Influencer of the Year 2024 Less Waste Laura, who is a climate activist, environmental scientist and ethical influencer. Laura made the journey by public transport from Dundee to hop on the Trossachs Explorer. She combined a Ben A’an hike with some well deserved cake at Brig O Turk, before returning home.

So, if you’ve not had the chance to be a Trossachs Explorer, don’t miss out. All aboard before 30th September! Don’t forget, your views are important to us and will help shape future transport projects – please complete our quick online survey.

Visitor Management Update

The 2023 visitor season is still in full swing, and our Ranger Team has been busy welcoming visitors, patrolling, coordinating conservation projects and hosting events. It’s been particularly great to see partnership working with other organisations over the season, including with Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Loch Lomond Rescue Boat and RNLI, all working together to help ensure the safety of visitors.

We have continued hosting our popular water safety events across the National Park and joined Water Safety Scotland and Partners at the World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores. These events are a great way to engage with visitors and teach them how to have fun on, in and around water when visiting the National Park.

We also supported on the fourth Go Swim event which took place on 31^st August and saw hundreds of swimmers of all ages and abilities enjoy outdoor swimming in a safe environment.

And there are still events on on the horizon, like The Gravelfoyle 10 on 14^th & 15^th of September, which includes a challenging 10 hour cycle race, as well as lots of fun family activities.

The Team have also been focusing on projects that improve habitats for nature and access for visitors. From removing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) to improve biodiversity, to drainage clearance that allows better access to core paths, this work aims to enable nature and people to exist in harmony in the National Park.

As our visitor management season comes to a close, we will continue to engage with communities and stakeholders, and begin to assess feedback and data, to begin planning for the next season.

Other news or opportunities for National Park businesses

STEP Rural Business Forum – Exploring Procurement and Partnership Opportunities Event – Join this free event on Friday 20^th September at the McLaren Community Leisure Centre in Callander, designed to empower rural business leaders with strategic insights. Hear from a range of partner organisations about upcoming business opportunities, how to become a supplier, and network with other businesses.

Business Energy Scotland – Taking Charge of Energy Bills – It’s a great time to investigate generating your own low cost, low carbon energy to heat and power your business… and reduce your reliance on energy suppliers. Find out more with their on demand webinars and case studies.

Net Zero Intern Support Service – Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SIEC) is offering you the opportunity to develop your very own Carbon Reduction Plan with an all-new specialist internship service. This free service will offer you an intern who will:

• Learn more about your business and visit you on site.
• Gather your data to get a better understanding of your scope emissions.
• Identify your carbon hot spots to prioritise your time and efforts.
• Develop a bespoke carbon reduction plan to help you on your way to net zero.

Net Zero Resources – Business Gateway’s website is a useful resource of advice, support and funding to help businesses to make greener business decisions, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to achieving Net Zero targets.

Risk Management and Business Continuity Guide – Global crises (such as pandemics or global IT outages) and business specific crises (such as fire or cyber-attacks) can all make it difficult or even impossible to carry out your normal day-to-day activities. In the worst-case scenario, they could force you to go out of business altogether. This guide will help you to identify potential risks, make plans and preparations for emergencies, and test how your business is likely to cope in a disaster or another crisis.

Purple Tuesday Training and Development Resource Programme – Purple 365 is a disability training and development resource programme designed by the organisation behind Purple Tuesday. They offer tourism and event businesses throughout Scotland access to a series of free monthly webinars, providing staff with knowledge, understanding and practical approaches to deliver a better every day experience for disabled people.

VisitScotland – Digital channels play a huge role in the visitor experience when searching for travel inspiration and converting bookings. To support Scottish tourism experiences (visitor attractions, activity providers and tour companies) to build their digital skills (and make it easy for potential visitors to find them) VisitScotland has created a brand new, free webinar series offering digital support and advice across a range of topics.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park recruitment & retention toolkit – This toolkit aims to provide a practical resource for businesses to consider how to plan to effectively recruit, train, develop and retain staff. Giving some time and thought to this will help to keep staff for longer, save time and money on recruitment, and bring in staff who are more likely to repay the business with loyalty, working within a positive environment.