THE body responsible for the running of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has unveiled a plan to be “net zero” by 2030.

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority has developed a “Mission Zero” route map which will see air source heat pumps, solar panels and a fully electric fleet of vehicles rolled out to reduce carbon emissions.

Greenhouse gas emissions in the National Park area have already been reduced by 38 per cent since 2014, and at least £200,000 will now be invested in emissions reduction in 2021/2022, with additional electric vehicles and an electric hybrid patrol boat.

Gordon Watson, the park authority’s chief executive, said: “The Scottish Government declared a global climate emergency in 2019 and set out its ambition to become a ‘Net Zero Nation’ by 2045.

“As a public body, and as a National Park Authority for whom protection of the environment is a core aim, we are confident that we can play our part by reaching net zero 15 years ahead of that target.

“We have a clear route map outlining how we will achieve net zero over the next decade - involving a real step change in how we operate so that emissions reduction is at the heart of our decision making.”

Dr Heather Reid, science education consultant and former weather forecaster with the Met Office and BBC Scotland, and a park authority board member, said: “The growing impacts of the climate emergency have been all too real for those living, working and visiting the National Park and tackling climate change has been a priority for us for a number of years.”

She added: “Alongside our investment in green infrastructure and technology, we will continue to support everyone here at the National Park Authority in Loch Lomond to champion emissions reduction in the actions we all take.”