Loch Lomond: Ross Greer MSP branded 'disengenuous'

Reverend Ian Miller said he believed Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer was being “disingenuous” over his opposition to the £40 million plans.

The clergyman reaffirmed his support for the Lomond Banks development and questioned the veracity of some of the objections on a petition, spearheaded by the Scottish Greens, which received nearly 32,000 signatures.

A more recent petition, Save Loch Lomond – Stop Flamingo Land 2.0 – has attracted more than 2,800 signatures, but Mr Miller, who has previously outlined his support for the project, said he was still giving the scheme his backing.

Writing in a personal capacity, Mr Miller – who is also the interim moderator at Lomond Parish Church and acting chair of Alexandria Community Council – said: “For me, if I felt there was the slightest risk to the Queen of Scottish lochs, I would be standing shoulder to shoulder with Ross.

“Though he is an able politician and so often, a champion of the right causes, on this one I regret to say I think he has been disingenuous.

“I also wonder if for every valid signature on this new petition, there will be many who might struggle to find the exact location of the development on a map.”

New plans for the site include 127 woodland lodges, a water park, hotel, monorail and much more on mainly publicly owned land on the shores of Loch Lomond.

In a letter, Mr Miller spoke of his respect for Mr Greer, adding that he is a “good guy” – but questioned the politician’s stance over the proposed tourism development.

Mr Miller wrote: “Last time round the Save Loch Lomond petition was a clever move and attracted more than 60,000 signatures, with objectors led to believe that the loch was at risk.

“However, with Lomond Banks having listened to those objections and amended their plans accordingly, Ross Greer surely knows in his heart that the planning submission is now less of a threat than it was in recent history – where the ground in question was the site of a dye works, with toxic chemicals leaching into the adjacent loch and River Leven.

“If it’s visibility that concerns Ross, then the new Cameron House extension or the Lomond Shores Tower are much more visible than the lodges of Lomond Banks will ever be. In fact, the greater part of the proposed development will not even be seen from the loch.”

Natural beauty

Ross Greer MSP responded: “It is absolutely clear where local people stand. 32,000 objections have already been lodged via the Greens’ campaign page and many more have been submitted directly to the National Park Authority. A recent survey of 3200 local residents found that over two thirds were opposed. I have nothing but respect for Rev Miller, but all the evidence points to him being in the minority on this 
issue.

“In 2018 Flamingo Land was forced to withdraw its application following the overwhelming opposition of the local community and of Loch Lomond’s supporters across the country. It was the most unpopular planning proposal in the history of Scotland. This second attempt is no different.

“So many existing local jobs rely on Loch Lomond’s world-famous natural beauty, especially in Balloch where the loch is most easily accessed. Flamingo Land’s plans, right on the shore of the loch, seriously risk this reputation.

“Local residents have repeatedly proposed a range of potential alternative uses for the site which could boost the social and economic wellbeing of the area, maintain easy public access and protect the world-famous natural landscape. Unfortunately the site owner, Scottish Enterprise, has so far been unwilling to deal with anyone other than the Yorkshire-based theme park operator whose only interest is turning a profit.”

The Lomond Banks plans recently received the “conditional support” of the area’s conservation charity, the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, which said Flamingo Land’s proposed development on the West Riverside site would address the “urgent need” to regenerate Balloch and strengthen the village’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.