THE names of the five newly elected members of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority's board have been announced.

Balloch man Sid Perrie was elected in the West Loch Lomond and Balloch ward, with the former ecologist and science teacher receiving 420 votes.

Elected in Cowal and North Loch Lomond - which covers Arrochar, Tarbet and the north-west shore of the loch - was Iain Shonny Paterson, who received 343 votes.

Shonny, as he is known, has sat on the board since November 2020 as a local authority-nominated member for Argyll and Bute Council.

The East Loch Lomond and Port of Menteith ward, which includes Gartocharn, was won by bakery and deli owner, David Mackie.

David Fettes (Breadalbane and the Trossachs) and Richard Johnson (Callander) came out on top in the remaining wards.

James Stuart, the board's convener, said: “Congratulations to our five successful candidates who have been elected to the National Park Authority Board. They join us at an exciting time as this month we are celebrating 20 years of the National Park.

“They also join us at a pivotal moment for the organisation, as we begin to set a new long-term vision for the national park and shift our focus to step up commitments to climate and nature for both the local area and for Scotland as a whole.

“I am delighted to have Shonny, David, Richard, David and Sid on board to help shape a better, more sustainable future for the national park.

“I also want to say a big thank you to our five outgoing board members for their years of service and hard work.”

Every four years

Voting in the election, which takes place every four years via postal ballot, was open to all registered voters who live in the National Park aged over 16. Turn-out was 31 per cent.

The election was organised by Stirling Council on behalf of the national park authority, with depute returning office Graeme Forrester presiding over the count proceedings.

The National Park Authority board is responsible for making strategic decisions for the park on matters like nature, climate, visitor management and planning. Locally elected members help champion and help deliver park authority objectives within their wards.