Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Continue Visitor Management Project Amidst Lack of Financial Support
Thursday 13 June, 2024
Four years ago, the charity Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs launched their Two Lochs Visitor Management Project in response to the severe neglect of the A82 corridor between Balloch and Tarbet. This project aimed to address issues such as littering and toileting, with sponsorship from the local business community and support from organizations such as the Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Trust, Arrochar & Tarbet Community Development Trust, Argyll and Bute Council, and The National Park Authority.
Last year, thanks to this support, the Friends were able to provide temporary toilets and bin emptying services along the A82. However, due to a lack of financial support this year, the Council and National Park have been unable to continue their contributions. 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 clear the fast-growing scrub along the A82, has also been announced.
Despite these setbacks, the Chair of the Friends, John Urquhart, expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Trust and local businesses. Urquhart stated, “Due to a hugely generous grant from the Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Trust, plus continued generous sponsorship from local businesses, we will be able to continue the highly successful A82 layby bins part of the scheme.”
He continued, “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Hannah’s fund trustees as well as to all the business sponsors which 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. Once again it is Luss Estates which is the biggest business sponsor, so a special thanks to them.” Urquhart also acknowledged the challenges faced by tourism businesses, making their support even more significant.
Stewart Hawthorn, Managing Director of Loch Long Salmon, one of the newest bin sponsors, shared his support for the project, stating, “Loch Long Salmon is very pleased to support community initiatives such as this campaign from the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. We look forward to working with both FOLLAT and the Arrochar community in the future.”
Despite this generous support, the Trustees of Hannah’s fund have made it clear that their grant is a one-off and will not be repeated. This highlights the ongoing issue of how to finance the bin scheme in the long-term. The Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs remain committed to finding sustainable solutions for visitor management along the A82 corridor and are grateful for the continued support from the community and local businesses.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.