FRIENDS of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs recognised the contribution of supporters during its recent annual general meeting in Balloch.

The independent conservation and heritage charity for the National Park area, recognised the outstanding contribution made by a long-serving member, a Loch Lomond hotelier and a dedicated volunteer to enriching the lives of many thousands of people visiting Scotland’s most popular National Park.

Awards were presented to former Friends Chairman and Treasurer George Boyd, Niall Colquhoun, manager of The Lodge on Loch Lomond and the Inn on Loch Lomond, and volunteer Irene MacKenzie, all three having made an enormous difference to the visitor experience in the National Park in recent years.

Helensburgh man George Boyd became the second winner of the Hannah Stirling National Park Award, which was introduced last year in memory of the former Friends President who died aged 100 in November 2014. George has been involved with the Friends in various executive roles, having become a member since 1998.

The National Park Business Supporters of the Year award went to Niall Colquhoun, who runs The Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel in Luss and The Inn on Loch Lomond Hotel in Inverbeg with his wife Anne. The two venues have raised nearly £20,000 through voluntary visitor donations to help benefit a wide range of projects in the National Park.

The voluntary efforts of Irene MacKenzie, of Rosneath, were also recognised by the Volunteer of the Year award. She has been involved in the Make a Difference conservation action days organised by the Friends of in all areas of the National Park, having first volunteered with the charity in 2010. She has also acted as a volunteer marshal at fundraising events such as the Glasgow to Balloch KiltWalk.

Friends chairman James Fraser said: “All three award winners have earned their prizes on merit and we are delighted for every one of them, as they have made a real difference in Scotland’s first National Park for visitors and residents. Our work would not be possible without the support of people like them and hopefully all three will continue to be involved with us for some time to come."