Developers behind the controversial £40m Flamingo Land bid on the banks of Loch Lomond have reaffirmed their pledge to bring jobs to the area if successful.

Lomond Banks say, if completed, the development would provide “numerous job opportunities for the local community and beyond, alongside a plethora of economic benefits, should plans be approved".

It comes after campaign group 'Save Loch Lomond’, created to fight the holiday resort plans, claimed last month that the project had become the ‘most objected to in Scots history.’

The original plans, withdrawn in 2019 for what was a £30m project, sparked a record 60,000 objections, which campaigners say made it the most unpopular application in Scottish history.

Now the resurrected plans have generated over 65,000 objections say the group, which the Scottish Greens say makes it the most objected-to plan in Scottish history.

As the resubmitted plans continue through the required 30-day consultation phase, the developers are keen to highlight once again its Unilateral Voluntary Undertaking, known as ‘The Lomond Promise’, to the National Park, which legally binds its promises for the area into legal obligations for the proposed development.

And Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, told the Reporter he has no doubt the park will bring multiple benefits to the Balloch area.

He said: “We are steadfast in our belief that Lomond Banks will bring considerable economic and social benefit to both Balloch and the wider area.

“Having listened to feedback from the community, businesses and stakeholders throughout the consultation process, we know that these issues are important to residents and so have ensured that fair working practices and supporting local businesses within the area are engrained within our legally binding ‘Lomond Promise’.

“We believe our proposal will not only revitalise the gateway to Loch Lomond but offer a wider boost to existing businesses that already operate here and provide numerous opportunities for those keen to work for a progressive and forward-thinking employer.

“As such, Lomond Banks is committed to being an active and responsible participant of the Balloch business community for many years to come.”

The blueprint for the massive holiday complex to be built on the banks of the loch includes a 60-bedroom hotel, a water park, a monorail, more than 100 lodges, a watersports hub, restaurants, a craft brewery and pub and external activity areas for events.

While developers are no longer proposing to build on the ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood, the updated plans would still see development on a huge scale, campaigners say.

West Scotland Green MSP Ross Greer who has led efforts against the proposals over the last seven years, said: “There can be no clearer sign for those considering this nature wrecking application that the public do not want it in our National Park.

“A record number of people, more than the 60,000 who objected previously, agree that this is the wrong plan for the wrong place and that it should be rejected at the earliest opportunity. The community at Balloch are overwhelmingly opposed to these plans and I know how much they appreciate the support from across the country.

“Flamingo Land’s owner promised that he would rip it up and move on if it was clear the development was not wanted by the community. He should now make good on that promise and walk away."