A LOCH Lomond MSP insists a Scottish Government funding boost to the national park will help "create and sustain" jobs in the area.

Local Green MSP Ross Greer hailed the £550,000 cash injection, which is to be split between Scotland’s two national parks, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the Cairngorms.

Last week, Lorna Slater, Scottish Greens co-leader and Minister for National Parks, announced the money will be used for schemes to improve biodiversity, for example by creating, protecting and restoring habitats around the park.

And Mr Greer outlined just how vital this kind of initiative is for the planet as it fights a climate emergency.

He said: “Scotland is experiencing a nature emergency and our National Parks must lead the way in turning things around.

"This funding pot will provide a big boost to the work being done by the Park Authority and community groups, not to mention creating and sustaining jobs around the Loch.

“I’m delighted that with Greens in Government, we’ve been able to deliver for Loch Lomond through schemes like the Nature Restoration Fund and by supporting the reintroduction of beavers on the Loch.

"We will soon also announce the location for Scotland’s third National Park, meaning more protection for Scotland’s world-famous natural environment and wildlife.“

Nominations will officially open later this year as the SNP government look to create a third national park space in the country, committing to a new one by the spring if 2026.