Inchcailloch Ferry
Central to the plan is the introduction of water buses which will improve community and tourism links across the loch, cut down road use and reduce harmful emissions. The water bus service was tested over six weeks last year and attracted move than 5,000 passengers.
Work is now underway on pontoons and piers in preparation of the return of the historic transport routes which were first popular in Victorian times.
Ms Cunningham said: “Some of the world’s best know tourist destinations have their own water transport. Venice has the Vaperetto, New York has the Staten Island Ferry, there is water transport on Lake Windermere and Lake Coniston. Now Loch Lomond will soon be joining them.
“Travelling across the water will let people see the spectacular scenery from a different perspective and allow them to really relax while doing so, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
“The water buses cut the number of cars using the road network in the National Park and will help reducing carbon emissions. They will also make some of the towns and villages around the shore much more accessible to visitors and help bring real economic benefits to these areas.”
CEO of the National Park, Fiona Logan said: “Historically the water has always been used to transport visitors, residents and goods across Loch Lomond and it really is a case of the Victorians being pioneers for early tourism and transport. We want to take these great ideas and inject some 21st century innovation to create thriving towns and villages connected by water transport while showcasing the unique assets of the area.
“The pilot last year was a great success and proved there is demand for not only new methods of transport but new experiences for visitors to the National Park. As a result of this we are investing heavily in the upgrade of many of our piers and pontoons around Loch Lomond to help facilitate water based tourism.
“Over 5,000 people used the water bus service over a 6-week period and took advantage of journeys around Loch Lomond without needing to drive. By introducing new and greener methods of transport, not only can visitors experience a more relaxed and scenic journey to some of the best loved visitor sites around Loch Lomond but we can also reduce traffic management issues in key hotspots whilst cutting our carbon emissions. There are huge benefits to our visitors if more water based tourism and transport is encouraged around the Loch but more importantly there are significant economic benefits to the towns and villages who rely heavily on tourism.”
In the same week, the Park announced that it was now accepting bookings for camping on Inchcailloch island on Loch Lomond. Bookings had been suspended whilst camping terms and conditions were revised. The small campsite is on the southern tip of the island in Port Bawn and is limited to a maximum of 12 people per night, including children, and no longer than a two night stay. Individual group sizes are limited to 6 people per night, including children. There are composting toilets but no water supply on the island, so campers have to bring their own supplies. To find out more about visting the island and how to book a pitch visit the Park Authority website. For a route description of a walk on Inchcailloch see Walkhighlands.