Restrictions on camping approved for the banks of Loch Lomond
CAMPING is to be restricted along the shores of Loch Lomond after a public consultation.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has approved plans it said will “protect the park’s unique environment”.
It comes after concerns were raised by some local people about anti-social behaviour by groups camping out with designated campsites.
Complaints were also raised over the time it takes the environment to recover from rough camping, litter along the shoreline and unauthorised caravan encampments in laybys.
Under the plans, “camping management byelaw zones” are to be created along most of Loch Lomond’s shores, covering areas including Balloch, Luss, Rowardennan, Tarbet and Ardlui, while there will also be a wider Trossachs zone restricting camping in Aberfoyle, Strathtyre and Lochearnhead.
Similar measures have already been put in place in parts of east Loch Lomond and were described as a “wide-ranging success”.
Some camping permits will be issued while improvements are to be made to current campsites to increase space and facilities in the area.
The plans, which follow a public consultation with around 300 responses, will now go before the Scottish Government for final approval.
Linda McKay, convener of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority board, said: “The consultation showed tremendous support for the proposals at both a local and national level including from all our community councils and constituent local authorities, as well as national agencies concerned for the protection of the National Park’s sensitive environment.
“We appreciate the range of views from many different interests. However, on balance, we believe our duty first and foremost is to conserve the environment of this special place.
“Conscious of our responsibility to promote access and recreation in the park, the board has sought to take a proportionate approach, introducing a range of measures designed to protect the special characteristics of this designated area of Scotland, while also striving to enhance provision for those who will continue to want to camp.”
Ian McEachern, convener of Luss & Arden Community Council, said: “As a resident of Luss who has to endure anti-social behaviour from large groups of campers every summer, I was delighted with the National Park’s proposal to managing c a mpi ng on we s t Loch Lomond.”
Luss & Arden Community Council conducted a survey of all residents in the area. Of the 110 written responses, 95 per cent supported the proposals.