Loch Lomond from Conic Hill
The proposals being considered by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park would affect the islands of Inchmoan, Inchconnachan, Inchtavannach and Inchcruin. The National Park is currently consulting on three possible solutions to solve what the it describes as “issues of wildlife disturbance, litter, vandalism, irresponsible camping and fire lighting”. The consultation period ends on 18 June.
Speaking about the consultation, Grant Moir, Director of Conservation and Visitor Experience at the National Park said: “The byelaws are in general working very well on the Loch and this review is seeking to improve safety measures and tackle issues on the Loch Lomond islands. We have some of Scotland’s most precious species and habitats here and sadly some visitors continue to behave irresponsibly which clearly has a lasting impact on nature and also the experience of other visitors to the islands.
Through the consultation, we’re asking people what else can be done to secure the future of these wonderful islands, how best to provide a place they can enjoy safely whilst protecting precious habitats and species.”
Grant Moir explained the three options for people to comment on: “We can continue with our current approach where our rangers patrol the islands with police support. This would run alongside further education campaigns about behaving responsibly on the islands. The second option would be to provide camping facilties such as toilets and fire pits on certain islands. The last option is to provide the same facitlities on certain islands and restrict camping away from designated camping areas. I would encourage people to comment on these options as part of the consultation.”
Ramblers Scotland have said that it would oppose any restrictions on camping. Director Dave Morris told BBC Scotland: “We would have concerns about that because we’ve not yet seen an analysis of how the bye-laws have been working so far. The problem is, when they introduced the camping ban they also banned alcohol at the same time, so it’s difficult to work out what’s been the most effective. The national park were supposed to produce a report on the by-laws in February, but they’ve failed to do that.”
Dave Morris also expressed concern that problems were just being displaced to other areas outside the East Lomondside camping ban area. He told the BBC, “We’ve seen displacement caused by the by-laws on Conic Hill – where there have never been problems before,”
Details of the proposals including how to respond to the consultation can be found here.