A LEADING outdoor writer and broadcaster has called for ministers to put the management of Scotland’s first national park in order.

Cameron McNeish has attacked the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority as being not fit for purpose and said sorting out its problems should come ahead of strengthening land reform legislation.

Mr McNeish accused the authority of betraying Scotland’s access rights by plans to restrict wild camping in more areas of the park, following restrictions introduced on the east side of Loch Lomond in 201, where crime and anti social behaviour has fallen dramatically as a result.

The park's proposals now being considered by ministers would extend byelaws banning wild camping in areas on the west side of Loch Lomond; north Loch Long; strips around Loch Ard and Loch Venachar; and the road side of Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn and Loch Voil.

Writing in his column on the Walkhighlands website, he said that a document signed by him and other leading outdoor figures, has now been delivered to both Environment Minister Dr Aileen MacLeod and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

He says it advises the ministers that the first step must be the abandonment of the camping byelaw proposals as there already is legislation to tackle litter, vandalism, loutish behaviour etc.

"But the Scottish Government also needs to support the Park in the development of an adequate camping infrastructure over the next ten years, even if that means compulsory purchase of suitable locations."

He says there is nobody on the park board who is recognised as an expert on outdoor recreation and commands the respect of recreational organisations.

He continues: "Climbers, hillwalkers and those who camp (backpackers, bikepackers, anglers and canoe campers) have no representation at all." This despite the fact it was essentially these "hill-going folk" who campaigned for years for access rights to become enshrined in law and for the creation of national parks in Scotland.

He also claims transparency, integrity and balance between private and public interests have been lacking in many of the board’s activities.

In particular Mr McNeish refers to the news this summer the authority's vice convener and chair of planning committee, had failed to declare shares in the Cononish gold mine venture near Tyndrum as planning decisions on the project were being made. He subsequently resigned following the Sunday Herald investigation.

But Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said he completely refuted the allegations in the blog, "which are totally unfounded".

He said “The proposals referred to are based on years of experience of dealing with issues that are destroying the fragile environment that makes the National Park such a special and cherished place. These measures, which would include providing an initial 300 camping places, would affect just 3.7 per cent of the Park and are aimed at dramatically improving the experience of the National Park for everyone, campers included."