THREE people have been recognised by a national park charity for their outstanding contribution to Loch Lomondside.

Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, the independent conservation and heritage charity, has recognised the “outstanding voluntary and selfless contributions” made by three stalwarts of their respective communities around Loch Lomond, two of them coming from Balloch and one from Tarbet and serving nearby Arrochar.

At the charity’s recent annual general meeting, awards were given to Murdoch Cameron MBE and Jim Biddulph, chairman and secretary respectively of Balloch and Haldane Community Council. Duncan MacLachlan, director of Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust, was also recognised.

Murdoch and Jim were given the fourth Hannah Stirling National Park Award in recognition of their hard work, commitment and outstanding service more than 20 years each to the well-being of Balloch and Haldane.

The two have worked tirelessly to ensure the loudest possible voice for their community, giving them the chance to contribute to many important discussions, including some involving Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority. The Hannah Stirling National Park Award was established by the Friends in 2015 in honour of its late former president.

Murdoch said: “All we are looking for is for our residents to be allowed to have the best possible say in issues affecting them locally.

“To be recognised in this way is something we are very grateful for, and the people of Balloch and Haldane can be sure we don’t intend going anywhere yet.”

Jim added: “It is very rewarding to serve the people of your community in this way, and the fact that we have done it for so long shows how enjoyable it is as well. We have followed in some very illustrious footsteps by winning this award and it is an honour to receive it.”

James Fraser, Friends chairman, said: “All of these award winners are fully worthy of their recognition and we are grateful for the respective ways in which they help around the park, whether it is campaigning for specific improvement projects and initiatives or giving up their time to keep Scotland’s first National Park beautiful.

“We are always on the lookout for volunteers and businesses to become involved with the Friends and anybody interested in doing this in either capacity is welcome to get in touch. We congratulate all of our award winners this year and they join an illustrious hall of fame in our history.”