Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority is now on the lookout for nominees to stand in elections to sit on the board.

The National Park Authority Board is responsible for making strategic decisions for the park and has an important part to play in helping to deliver the authority’s key aims.

Board members act as champions for the National Park, providing direction and overseeing the development, approval and monitoring of important plans and strategies.

Elections will be taking place via postal vote later this year to recruit five board members – one for each of the five wards in the park.

And any park lovers aged over 21 are encouraged to stand – with those who do not live in the National Park area requiring the written support of ten people living in the ward in which they intend to stand.

Convener of the National Park Authority, James Stuart, is keen to encourage nominees from a wide range of people.

He said: “This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the National Park and we are looking for individuals who can bring their experience and perspective to help influence priorities and make key decisions.

“We offer full training to all those elected to help them carry out their duties and we are also holding drop-in events over the coming weeks to offer anyone thinking of standing the opportunity to ask for help and guidance on how to be a candidate.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in standing for election to either come along to these drop-in events or get in touch with us to find out how they can help protect and enhance this iconic place”

The election count will take place on Thursday, July 5.

Two drop-in events providing more information on how to become a candidate will take place at the National Park Authority Headquarters in Balloch on April 19, from 4,30pm to 7pm, and April 23, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.