Scotland's Environment Minister visited Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park last week to visit trainees and board members and learn about some projects aiming to tackle issues such as outdoor recreation and youth employment.

Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, was visiting following the end of the three-month consultation period for the National Park Partnership Plan 2018-2023, which sets a broad vision for how the Park Authority and partners can widen the 'social, environmental, cultural and economic' benefits of the National Park in the future.

The plan also hopes to address key areas including climate change, health and wellbeing and investment in Scotland's towns and villages.

The event was also used to promote the 'Mountains and the People' project - a six-month paid internship based in the National Park which allows trainees to learn practical skills to maintain the National Park's most fragile habitats.

This is the second year of the five-year project, with a total of 36 trainees due to work to a SVQ Level 2 in Environmental Conservation by its conclusion.

Among the trainees meeting the Cabinet Secretary included Veronica Keyte, 28, from Alexandria, who recently completed a Countryside Management course with Scotland's Rural College and was keen to develop her practical skills.

Roseanna Cunningham MSP said: “Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a fantastic place for people to enjoy recreational activities. It’s also supporting communities and businesses, innovating on climate change, natural flood management, and improving physical and mental health.

“It’s great to see the national park recognise the importance of supporting young people into employment, with this mountain path scheme providing trainees with hands on experience which will help them, our rural communities and economy.”

The Partnership Plan represents the first major piece of work from the National Park's new convener, James Stuart.

He said: “The Mountains & The People is a perfect example of the sort of projects that we want to develop over the next five years with our many partners in the National Park. In one project, we are not only restoring our mountain and Munro paths, we are also promoting the Park and creating opportunities for our young people, who are gaining qualifications in rural skills through the project over five years. It exemplifies the multiple benefit approach that we aim to achieve with the Partnership Plan.

“The National Park is a truly special place and this plan proposes how we along with a wide range of other organisations, can work together over the next five years to look after, enhance and make the most of it. By working collaboratively with all our partners we can achieve a much greater impact.

“We have received more than 200 responses to the plan and want to thank everyone who contributed. We look forward to finalising the Plan and submitting it to Scottish ministers later this year for approval.”