A FOOD and drink festival that has drawn thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond in previous years has been scrapped for 2018.

Loch Lomond Shores have confirmed the Springfest event will not return for its fourth year – however they have not revealed any reasons for the decision.

Springfest was one of the largest festivals of its kind in the country, featuring a weekend programme of Scottish food and drink stalls, live music and family activities on the banks of the loch.

The event brought reams of people to Balloch, packing the streets with people and their vehicles.

When asked why the call had been made to drop it, a Loch Lomond Shores representative would not clarify.

Instead, the visitor site say they are looking forward to current and upcoming events.

A spokesman for Loch Lomond Shores said: “We’ve had a number of activities at Loch Lomond Shores recently.

“These include the successful opening of our new bar and restaurant, The Balcony Bar and Grill, as well as a number of activities during the Easter break, including the Stars of the Sea event at SEA LIFE, a fun fair, costume characters, Easter egg hunts and the circus.

“Our mini golf is open, and our leisure operators are up and running for the spring and summer season.

“We’re also looking forward to the upcoming opening of restaurant, spa and wedding venue The Shore at the end of this month, as well as the return of the hugely popular Loch Lomond Comic Con on April 28 and 29.

“We’ll be publicising our other activities over the coming months.”

Lomond ward Councillor Sally Page told the Reporter: “It is hard to find out the reason behind this decision, and therefore not right to speculate.

“There is a need to create tourism that is sustainable, in keeping with the aims of the National Park, that works for local residents and businesses.

“I am certain this decision will not have been taken lightly.”