News Story:
The charity Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs has been working tirelessly to address the ongoing littering and toileting problems along the A82 corridor between Balloch and Tarbet. Four years ago, they launched the Two Lochs Visitor Management Project with funding from Covid recovery efforts.
Thanks to the support of local businesses, the Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Trust, Arrochar & Tarbet Community Development Trust, Argyll and Bute Council, and The National Park Authority, the project was able to continue last year. However, due to a lack of financial support this year, the Friends have had to make some difficult decisions.
The Council was unable to contribute to the temporary toilet provision, and the National Park was unable to continue supporting the toilet provision and bin emptying. As a result, the Friends have had to withdraw the summer provision of portaloos at Duck Bay and Arrochar, as well as the seasonal village warden service at Arrochar and Tarbet. The discontinuation of the Friends’ “Windows on the Loch” program, which worked to control the growth of scrub along the A82, was also necessary.
Despite these setbacks, Friends Chair John Urquhart is grateful for the support of the Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Trust, which has provided a generous grant, and the continued sponsorship of local businesses. These sponsors include Lochs and Glens Holidays, Forest Holidays, Cruise Loch Lomond, Sweeney’s Cruises, The Lodge on Loch Lomond, holidaycottages.co.uk, Loch Long Salmon, and Luss Estates Company, with Luss Estates being the biggest sponsor.
Urquhart also acknowledges the struggles that tourism businesses have faced, making their contributions even more meaningful. However, the Trustees of Hannah’s fund have stated that their grant is a one-off and will not be repeated. The long-term issue of how to finance the bin scheme remains.
Stewart Hawthorn, Managing Director of Loch Long Salmon, one of the newest bin sponsors, expressed his support for the Friends’ efforts and commitment to working with the community in the future.
The Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and their sponsors are determined to continue their efforts to address the ongoing visitor management issues along the A82. Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
