The owner of four islands at Loch Lomond has backed an extension to a wild camping ban at the beauty spot amid long-running problems with partying, drinking and littering on the hideaways.
Luss Estates, the owner and custodian of Inchconnachan, Inchtavannach, Inchmoan and Inchlonaig islands, said that wild camping posed a "potentially devastating threat" to the small and delicate sites that are home to endangered species including capercaillie, osprey and otter.
There has been evidence of campers trying to cut down trees for firewood on the islands with human waste, tents and rubbish left behind by visitors.
Simon Miller, chief executive of Luss Estates, said he favoured camping restrictions at certain times of the year. "As one of Loch Lomond's largest tourism businesses and a significant local employer, Luss Estates is mindful of tourism's importance to the local economy.
"However, unrestricted wild camping poses a potentially devastating threat to the integrity of these small, delicate sites and habitats.
"In contrast to many similarly protected sites, these islands lie close to Scotland's largest population centres, and are at the heart of one of Scotland's most welcoming and popular visitor destinations. Current legislation falls well short of enabling Luss Estates and other custodians adequately to manage wild camping on the islands and thus conserve these island habitats in the national interest."
Loch Lomond National Park Authority (LLNPA) introduced a wild camping ban down the east side of the loch last year during the summer in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour and environmental damage.
Since then, the authority said there had been a 50% drop in reported crime, a 97% reduction in litter and a 93% reduction in tents and fires outwith designated campsites.
Charlotte Wallace, water resource manager at LLNPA said: "We are looking at all the responses from organisations and individuals. From these, we will pull together a report with recommendations that will go to our Board."
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