£1.1 million boost for Loch Lomond
Published 3 Aug 2012 10:00
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THE Bonnie Banks will see a £1.1 million boost to enable tourists to better enjoy the area of outstanding natural beauty.
Richard Lochhead, cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, visited the National Park at Loch Lomond on Wednesday.
The Tourism supremo heard how the cash boost will improve visitors' experience of the stunning loch and picturesque countryside.
Money will be used to develop sites and facilities in the five lochs area of the park including camping, car parking and toilet provision.
Improvements will also be made along the West Highland Way and new signs and international language interpretations will also be increased.
During the visit Mr Lochhead discussed estate management and travelled by National Park patrol boat, visited the new informal campsite at Sallochy Bay in East Loch Lomond and took a trip out to the newly refurbished Visitor Centre at Balmaha.
He said: "Scotland's outstanding natural beauty helps make it a tourism draw for visitors from home and abroad. Therefore we must ensure that the quality of facilities meet the high expectations of visitors, especially with increased competition from countries around the world.
"Our National Parks are hugely important tourism assets for Scotland. The Scottish Government is supporting the delivery of high quality facilities throughout Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, like the campsites and visitor facilities I have seen here today on East Loch Lomond. I look forward to returning to visit some of the new developments next year."
Linda MacKay, convener for the National Park Authority, added: "It's hugely appropriate to receive this additional funding as the Park celebrates its 10th anniversary and we welcome this announcement.
"It clearly demonstrates the confidence Scottish Government has in the National Park Authority to deliver real on the ground change. The National Park already has an ambitious capital funding programme over the next three years and this extra funding will allow us to accelerate actions from the National Park Partnership Plan, that will benefit millions of visitors coming to enjoy this very special part of Scotland."
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 31 Jul 12
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