Local Board Elections 2026: Become a candidate

Every four years, there is an election to decide five members of the National Park Authority’s Board, voted for by people who live in the National Park, using a postal ballot. The candidate with the most votes in each ‘ward’ is elected to join the National Park Board.

Applications to stand as a candidate can be made on Stirling Council’s website between 15th May until 4th June 2026.

The next election takes place with votes cast by postal ballot on 9th July 2026.

If you live in the National Park, you can stand for election for one of five ‘electoral wards’ on our Board.

There are five wards in which candidates can stand for election. One Board member will be elected for each ward.

• • Cowal and North Loch Lomond 
  • Breadalbane and the Trossachs 
  • Callander 
  • East Loch Lomond and Port of Menteith 
  • West Loch Lomond and Balloch 

We want to hear from candidates with genuine curiosity, commitment and care for people, and for nature. We need Board members who reflect the diversity of Scotland – people with lived experience, community insight, specialist knowledge or leadership from any sector. Different voices aren’t just welcomed – they’re essential.

Local board members help to:

• Guide the overall direction of the National Park Authority
• Help set out our goals and plans to achieve them
• Make important decisions about planning, access and other issues
• Speak up for the National Park Authority and represent it to others
• Monitor how the organisation is performing and using its resources

Each Local Board Member brings their own experience, perspective and strengths – you don’t need to be an expert in everything. What matters is your ability to contribute thoughtfully, ask good questions, learn from others and help drive meaningful, positive change.

You’ll be well supported in the role. We offer training, development opportunities and Board shadowing, so you can build confidence and settle in at your own pace.

We also recognise that Board members balance work, family and other commitments, so the time expectations are clear and flexible wherever possible.

This is a paid and flexible position, which can work around existing work or study commitments and home life. You should expect work to take 3 days per month. Our Board meetings are held quarterly in person at National Park HQ in Balloch, which is an accessible building with parking and good public transport links. Community engagement events which our Board members attend can be on weekends or in evenings.

Everyone has something to offer, even if you don’t think you’re the ‘Board member’ type. In fact, that can be a strength. We need people with different backgrounds, skills and viewpoints to help us do our work well. We also want our Board to reflect Scotland and the people who care about this special place. Our induction and training will support you in learning what you need to know.

The Board is made up of 17 members. We have a blended Board structure that combines community representation, local authority insight and national perspective, including:

• • • Five locally elected members (the focus of this recruitment)
    • Six Scottish Government appointed members
    • Six local authority nominated members

The National Park Authority will be hosting a series of drop-in sessions for interested candidates in May, online and in-person. Dates and locations for these sessions will be published soon. If you have any questions in the meantime or would like to express your interest in these sessions, get in touch with our team by emailing elections@lochlomond-trossachs.org 

The National Park Authority is the lead organisation helping to look after the National Park. We do this with the support of many others including communities, businesses, charities and other public bodies. Our Board helps set the big priorities and take important decisions about what happens here, and you can get involved.