Rangers at the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are urging loch users to pay attention to a new buffer zone to protect nesting ospreys on an island in the area.

The rare birds have been regular visitors to Inchcruin island in recent years and a pair have been spotted in the area, leading to the special measures being put in place along the south-eastern part of the island.

One of the main issues identified by rangers following previous osprey sightings has been paddlers entering the exclusion area close to the birds and potentially disturbing adult birds, and put the survival of eggs or young chicks at risk.

Rangers at the park are reminding paddlers and other users that intentionally or recklessly disturbing the birds during nesting times is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with ospreys listed as a protected species under Schedule 1 of the Act.

Under the act, anyone found breaching the nesting birds could be liable to a maximum punishment of a maximum £5,000 fine and/or a six-month prison sentence.

Simon Jones, director of conservation and visitor experience, said: “It’s really exciting that ospreys have once again returned to Loch Lomond. People visiting the loch and other parts of the national park should stand a good chance of spotting them. 

“We would just remind anyone using the loch to be mindful of the buffer zone so as not to disturb them.”