On Wednesday 3 April 2024, volunteers gathered at the Lauder Monument in Invernoaden for a Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs “Make a Difference” Day. Despite the damp and dreary weather, the volunteers were eager and determined to make a positive impact.
Organized by Friends Chair John Urquhart, the event aimed to clear the monument’s access paths and steps of overgrown vegetation, fallen leaves, and mud. “We had a very willing and enthusiastic group who worked extremely hard,” said Urquhart. The volunteers, who signed up through the Friends organization and the National Park Authority, were also eager to repaint the railings surrounding the monument. However, due to the unfavorable weather conditions, this task will be rescheduled for a later date.
Urquhart expressed gratitude to the volunteers and the National Park Authority for their contributions to the event. “Thankfully, the litter-picking equipment was not required as there was hardly a piece of litter to be found. We could focus entirely on improving the access to the monument,” he said. The National Park Authority also provided tools and equipment for the volunteers and even supplied an electric vehicle for the day.
The “Make a Difference” Day was a success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers. The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the National Park Authority are committed to preserving and maintaining the natural beauty of the area, and events like this are just one way they achieve this goal.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.