BOTH Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, and Minister for Environment, Aileen McLeod, have been under fire for the new camping by-laws to be introduced around some lochside areas in the national park (“Ban on camping has tainted Loch Lomond”, The Herald, February 1, and Letters, February 2, 3 & 4).

We hear from outdoor recreation organisations and enthusiasts that this is an assault on Scotland’s access rights and other similar assertions. Quite the opposite is true. The disregard for nature, locals, land management and indeed the access rights of others that has been occurring on the park’s lochshores is of itself an assault on Scotland’s access rights. It certainly does nothing to demonstrate that Scotland’s progressive approach to outdoor access is a resounding success.

The national park authority and the minister should be congratulated on returning these areas to places where a positive recreational experience can be had, which is surely the ultimate aim of having an access right in the first place.

Douglas McAdam,

Chief executive, Scottish Land & Estates,

Stuart House, Eskmills Business Park, Musselburgh.