Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond Park Authority.
By Lucy Ashton
Significant increases in staff, toilets and parking capacity are among the measures that will be in place across Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park when travel restrictions ease on 26th April.
A Joint Response Visitor Management Plan has been developed for the 2021 season by the National Park Authority and a number of partners including Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, Forestry & Land Scotland and the four local authorities that cover the area, following a significant increase in visitor numbers last year.
There was a surge in visitor numbers in 2020 as lockdown measures eased and it is expected that there will be similar demand for day trips and staycations when restrictions ease over the coming months.
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “While we remain in lockdown, we continue to urge people to comply with the current Scottish Government restrictions and not to travel beyond their local authority area at the moment. But when travel restrictions ease on 26th April, we will be ready to welcome visitors back and we will have plenty of people on the ground to ensure they can enjoy this amazing place safely and responsibly.
“One of the positives that came out of the pandemic last year was that more Scots discovered the natural environment closer to home and that is something we want to support, especially after months where opportunities to travel have been limited.
“However, the huge surge in visitor numbers in 2020 did bring with it challenges and pressures, particularly on communities in popular, rural locations.
“Since the end of the 2020 visitor season, we have worked closely with our partners on a joined-up response to the anticipated demand for staycations and day trips in the months ahead. We are committing a significant increase in joint resources to help alleviate the pressures that we expect across the National Park when COVID-19 travel restrictions ease on 26th April.”
The plan includes additional Rangers, wardens and enforcement officers, extended toilet opening hours and extra toilets at popular visitor locations, increased litter collections and more staffing at weekends.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in Scotland and attracts millions of visitors every year.
Key pressures from 2020 included irresponsible parking and road congestion, littering, and antisocial behaviour associated with some informal camping.
This year, all organisations involved in managing visitor pressures in the National Park have worked together to increase resources and presence on the ground, including:
Additional public toilets in busy locations and extended toilet opening hours
40 seasonal National Park Rangers, in addition to permanent Rangers
A new team of environment officers to tackle littering and flytipping
Expanded car parking capacity planned at locations such as Ben A’an and Trossachs Pier at Loch Katrine
New traffic signage and clearways to reduce congestion and irresponsible parking
£240,000 investment from Perth & Kinross Council to pilot a new ranger service – will include the St Fillans area of the National Park.
Extra overnight parking for motorhomes to reduce pressure on day visitor car parks
Pop-up information stations for visitors
More staff at weekends
A parking monitoring and update system in place to help day trippers plan their visit and see which areas are already at capacity
Being within an hour’s drive from more than 50% of Scotland’s population, the National Park is a popular option for last minute day trips and overnight stays.
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson, Divisional
Free pictures on behalf of West Dunbartonshire council. 2019 Loch Lomond Highland games at the Moss O’ Balloch. A record number of visitors turned out to watch the popular annual Loch Lomond Highland Games at Balloch today. More than 9,000 visitors attended the event, in Moss O’Balloch Park, for a range of traditional highland game competitions including cycling, running, hammer throwing and heavy weights and the traditional tossing of the caber and tug-of-war. Dancers entertained the crowds by performing traditional highland dances with their immaculate costumes and perfect hair, and spectators enjoyed music from Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun and Tulliallan pipes and drums. The popular games welcomed visitors from as far afield as Germany and Canada who travelled to Scotland to enjoy the traditional Scottish games and was broadcasted to millions of viewers in China watching Chinese travel programme ‘Zhu’s life in Britain’. Aynsley Gouck, Assistant Director of Niagra Highland Dance Academy, said “We are over from Ontario Canada and we are attending four Highland Games during our visit. We love Balloch it’s a beautiful area of Scotland and we’ve been looking forward to our visit. The Highland Dancing competition is very well organised and the girls are very honoured to be dancing in Scotland.” German friends Tina and Arthur Helbig and Kirsten and Volber Rademacher, said: “We are in Scotland for 10 days and although we’re not staying in Balloch we couldn’t miss this event. It’s a great to see all the smart girls in their beautiful Highland dress and hear the pipe band. We are very excited to be here today.” West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl, said: “This year’s event was a fantastic day and helped by the wonderful weather. Well done to all the competitors for putting on a great show and thanks to the spectators for encouraging the athletes and putting on a great show. It’s always lovely to meet visitors who have travelled around the world to attend this great event. I am proud of our Scottish heritage and the Games are a great way for tourists and visitors to get a true taste of Scotland. Well done to the Games’ committee, West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust and West Dunbartonshire Council on organising yet another hugely successful event.” The Chieftain of the Loch Lomond Highland Games, Major James Macrae said: “I am delighted with this year’s event which has been a great success and has been very well attended. We’ve been really fortunate with the weather the last two years and we are grateful to the thousands who came along, which is great testament to everyone involved in organising the Games. Over the years, the games have attracted contestants and spectators from home and abroad every year and I would like to thank everyone who played their part in making this year’s games a huge success. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank our contestants and sponsors, in particular West Dunbartonshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, for their continued support.” For a full round up of results please visit Loch Lomond High Games website at http://www.llhgb.com Copyright photo by Paul Chappells, 07774730898 http://www.paulphoto.co.uk
Free pictures on behalf of West Dunbartonshire council. 2019 Loch Lomond Highland games at the Moss O’ Balloch. A record number of visitors turned out to watch the popular annual Loch Lomond Highland Games at Balloch today. More than 9,000 visitors attended the event, in Moss OÕBalloch Park, for a range of traditional highland game competitions including cycling, running, hammer throwing and heavy weights and the traditional tossing of the caber and tug-of-war. Dancers entertained the crowds by performing traditional highland dances with their immaculate costumes and perfect hair, and spectators enjoyed music from Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun and Tulliallan pipes and drums. The popular games welcomed visitors from as far afield as Germany and Canada who travelled to Scotland to enjoy the traditional Scottish games and was broadcasted to millions of viewers in China watching Chinese travel programme ÔZhuÕs life in BritainÕ. Aynsley Gouck, Assistant Director of Niagra Highland Dance Academy, said ÒWe are over from Ontario Canada and we are attending four Highland Games during our visit. We love Balloch itÕs a beautiful area of Scotland and weÕve been looking forward to our visit. The Highland Dancing competition is very well organised and the girls are very honoured to be dancing in Scotland.Ó German friends Tina and Arthur Helbig and Kirsten and Volber Rademacher, said: ÒWe are in Scotland for 10 days and although weÕre not staying in Balloch we couldnÕt miss this event. ItÕs a great to see all the smart girls in their beautiful Highland dress and hear the pipe band. We are very excited to be here today.Ó West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl, said: “This yearÕs event was a fantastic day and helped by the wonderful weather. Well done to all the competitors for putting on a great show and thanks to the spectators for encouraging the athletes and putting on a great show. ItÕs always lovely to meet visitors who have travelled around the world to attend this great event. I am proud of our Scottish heritage and the Games are a great way for tourists and visitors to get a true taste of Scotland. Well done to the GamesÕ committee, West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust and West Dunbartonshire Council on organising yet another hugely successful event.Ó The Chieftain of the Loch Lomond Highland Games, Major James Macrae said: “I am delighted with this yearÕs event which has been a great success and has been very well attended. WeÕve been really fortunate with the weather the last two years and we are grateful to the thousands who came along, which is great testament to everyone involved in organising the Games. Over the years, the games have attracted contestants and spectators from home and abroad every year and I would like to thank everyone who played their part in making this yearÕs games a huge success. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank our contestants and sponsors, in particular West Dunbartonshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, for their continued support.” For a full round up of results please visit Loch Lomond High Games website at http://www.llhgb.com Copyright photo by Paul Chappells, 07774730898 http://www.paulphoto.co.uk
Loch Lomond – gearing up for possibly the busiest summer in history.
Commander for Forth Valley, said: “The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives.
“People should not leave home except for essential purposes. Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to continue to use our enforcement powers as a last resort. If you are visiting beauty spots within your local area, do so safely and respectfully – leaving no trace of your visit. Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access.”
As well as extensive on the ground measures, engaging campaigns will be used to encourage and support people to enjoy the National Park responsibly. Visitors will be encouraged to plan ahead and detailed information will be provided on social media and the National Park Authority’s website including car park and travel options, opening hours for toilets and other visitor facilities.
Seasonal camping management byelaws are already in effect from March to September in parts of the National Park, and camping permit areas and campsites within these areas will reopen in line with the easing of national restrictions on travel and tourism.
More information and advice for those planning a visit to the National Park once travel restrictions are lifted can be found on our Advice for Visitors page.
