Honoured for their contribution to park
Trio’s work praised
Three men have been honoured for their work in improving conditions for visitors and residents in the National Park area.
Joe Twaddle, Paul Saunders and John Beveridge were honoured at the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs annual general meeting.
Joe, who runs Passfoot Bed and Breakfast in Balmaha with his wife Betty, was given the third Hannah Stirling National Park Award - established by the Friends in 2015 in honour of its late former President - in recognition of his hard work, commitment and outstanding service over many years to the well-being of East Loch Lomondside.
He originally came to live in the area 50 years ago to work at the University Field at Rowardennan and had served as secretary of Buchanan Community Council for 37 years before standing down last year. His work included contributing to a number of successful initiatives including sensitive wood extraction and haulage from the area; working with the National Park Authority on the introduction of camping byelaws; securing the former toilet block site in the centre of Balmaha for a village green improvement scheme and campaigning for much needed affordable housing in the village. He continues to be an active member of East Loch Lomond Community Trust.
Joe said: “East Loch Lomond has been part of most of my life and helping to keep it beautiful as part of Scotland’s first National Park is a pleasure to me.”
National Park Business Supporter of the Year award went to Paul Saunders in recognition of his contribution to the success of the Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond Wonderland project and the Friends of OUR park scheme. The Wonderland project saw the production of an innovative and colourful booklet and exhibition telling the story of broadcaster Tom Weir’s life and featuring contributions from 300 local primary schoolchildren, coordinated by Paul. He has also been a business supporter of the Friends for several years and assisted with other schemes including the Celebrating Park People and their Stories programme in 2013.
Paul said: “It is strange to be on the other side of the camera, but a great honour to be recognised in this way. The projects the Friends have involved me in have been a pleasure to be part of.”
The Friends also recognised the voluntary efforts of John Beveridge, who for the past 35 years has been at the helm of the efforts to get the Maid of the Loch sailing again. John, of Helensburgh, has been involved with the Maid since 1982 when she was advertised for sale and helped set up the Loch Lomond Steamship Company in 1995.
Friends chairman James Fraser said: “These three award winners are fully deserving of their recognition. They have helped make a real difference on the ground and have contributed to making the National Park a better place for people to enjoy.”