Environment Minister visits Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park hosted a recent visit from Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, as part of his Ministerial summer tour. Taking advantage of the good weather, Mr Stevenson experienced one of the routes of the newly launched Loch Lomond Water Bus, crossing from the National Park’s recently refurbished Tarbet pier to Rowardennan where he met representatives from the National Park, Forestry Commission Scotland, local businesses and residents as well as Central Scotland Police to discuss tourism and visitor management initiatives in the wider Loch Lomond area.

Hosting the visit, National Park Convener, Linda McKay, took the opportunity to explain to the Minister about some of the many other Conservation and Rural Development initiatives the Park Authority is involved in across the wider Park area. The new National Park Local Plan’s focus on delivering new sustainable tourism opportunities was highlighted.

The Minister heard from Police Officers and Rangers about the new camping byelaws and the difference they are making to the area before calling in to the new Forestry Commission campsite at Sallochy which is already proving popular with families. Mr Stevenson rounded off the visit with a trip to the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha, meeting with local businessmen who testified to the benefits of the National Park’s developments along the East side of the Loch.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a remarkable and unique part of Scotland. It was great to see the exemplar work being done by the Park, and members of the police service, in managing the pressures of visitor numbers on the Park’s landscape and habitats. Everyone should pay a visit to the Park to see the beauty of the area and enjoy what’s on offer – particularly East Loch Lomond and the waterbus. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is truly one of Scotland’s many natural assets.”