PEOPLE living in the National Park have been reminded they have not much more than a week to choose new members of the park’s authority board.

The local elections for the National Park Authority Board take place on Thursday, July 7 and people in the area’s five wards are being urged to get their votes in before 4pm on election day.

Three of the wards cover the Loch Lomond area - West Loch Lomond and Balloch, East Loch Lomond and Port of Menteith, and Cowal and North Loch Lomond.

The remaining two wards are Callander and Breadalbane and the Trossachs.

One board member will be elected in each of the five wards and completed ballots must be returned in the pre-paid envelopes which have already been sent, along with ballot papers, to every household in the area.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: The national park is made up of five wardsThe national park is made up of five wards

James Stuart, the board's convener, said: “These elections are an important opportunity for National Park residents to decide who should be on our board to help shape the next chapter for the National Park.

“From nature and climate to visitor management and planning, the board makes decisions on key issues that affect local people and their communities. Our elected members bring valuable local insights and perspectives to help us do this.

“I would urge everyone to return their ballot paper as early as possible to decide who is the right fit for the National Park.”

Board members are responsible for guiding the organisation and making important decisions on matters ranging from tackling climate change to planning.

The election results will be announced on social media by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority on the evening of Thursday, July 7.

If you haven’t received your postal ballot, please contact the Stirling Council election office as soon as possible on 01786 233097.

A full list of candidates standing in the elections can be found at www.stirling.gov.uk/council-democracy/politicians-elections-democracy/elections-voting/elections/