two-rangers-chatting-to-member-of-public-and-pointing-on-map-and-in-the-distance-with-boat-being-launched-in-loch-lomond-next-to-car-and-group-of-children

What we do

Our mission is to protect and enhance Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The National Park covers an area of outstanding landscapes, habitats and communities – and it’s our job to protect it, and reduce the impact of visitor and recreational pressures.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority is an executive non-departmental public body (also known as an NDPB) committed to inspire our communities, visitors and partners to work with us to enhance and promote this iconic National Park.

The National Park (Scotland) Act 2000 provides the legal framework for the creation of National Parks in Scotland. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority was set up by the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Designation, Transitional and Consequential Provisions (Scotland) Order 2002. The Park was formally established on 8th July 2002 and became operational on 19th July 2002.

Our aims

The National Park (Scotland) Act 2000 sets out four aims for Scotland’s National Parks, each one designed to safeguard a sustainable future:

Conserve and enhance – we conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Sustainability – we promote the sustainable use of the natural resources of the area.
Understanding and enjoyment – we encourage people to enjoy the special qualities of the area.
Social and economic development – we promote sustainable development of the communities in the area.

Where these aims conflict, the first of these aims must be prioritised. The four statutory aims of the National Park are a material planning consideration and are taken into account in every planning decision made by the authority.

Our statutory duties

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority has legal status as a statutory body with statutory duties for planning and outdoor access.

As a Planning Authority, we are responsible for deciding all planning applications in the National Park area. This includes everything from householder developments to proposals for housing and tourism, listed building alterations and advertisements. More information on our framework and service standards is available on our Planning Applications page.

As an Access Authority, with the responsibility of upholding access rights (sometimes referred to as “the right to roam”) as set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, we encourage responsible access to outdoor spaces while reducing the impact on habitats and protected species. This includes publishing a Core Paths Plan, encouraging sustainable and active travel to and around the National Park, and appointing and hosting the Local Access Forum for the National Park.

Our Planning and Access Committee normally meets once a month in public to consider certain planning applications, enforcement actions, policy papers, legal agreements and access matters.

Our vision

A National Park Plan is required under the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 with the purpose of ensuring the collective and co-ordinated achievement of the statutory aims of National Parks.

Our National Park Partnership Plan 2018-2023 is our overarching vision to guide how all those with a role in looking after the National Park will work together to ensure a successful, sustainable future for this special place.

Our people

Our organisational chart of management positions shows how the National Park Authority team is structured. If you require advice from our staff, please contact us today.