During one of the few sunny spells this summer I ventured up east Loch Lomondside to find out what the impact of the introduction of the new camping and alcohol byelaws has been.
I was pleasantly surprised as the overall quality of the visitor experience has greatly improved and resulted in paradise being rediscovered on the bonnie banks, according to the positive comments I received from chats with a number of visitors at the new informal campsite at Sallochy Bay and elsewhere.
There has been a well publicised build up of problems arising from loutish and irresponsible behaviour in the area for years that has meant families and groups wishing to enjoy the tranquillity of this magical place have been deterred from visiting.
This has all changed as a result of the introduction of a package of measures, including restricting camping to official sites and banning outdoor drinking, on east Loch Lomondside by the National Park Authority, Forestry Commission and the Police in partnership with the local community in June this year. The transformation in the mix and behaviour of visitors is remarkable in a relatively short period with the return of families and others who can now enjoy the special qualities of the area, confident in the knowledge it is a safe place to visit and stay overnight.
The National Park Authority and partners are to be congratulated for taking forward this bold initiative to tackle long outstanding problems on the lochside and it is hoped that lessons from this pilot can be used to improve the situation in other parts of the park such as Loch Lubnaig, Loch Venachar, Balqhuidder Glen, Loch Earn and the Loch Lomond islands.
There has been a noticeable rise in informal camping and irresponsible behaviour in recent years at these easily accessible lochside locations.
Building on this early success, further action is required to ensure Scotland’s first national park and most heavily visited countryside destination does indeed fully regain its paradise credentials and takes its place as one of the truly great destinations in the world family of national parks.
James Fraser,
Chairman,
Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs,
63 West Princes Street,
Helensburgh.
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