Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Hold Successful AGM
Thursday 30 May, 2024 – The Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs recently held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the picturesque Ross Priory in Gartocharn. The event was well-attended by members and featured senior business figures from around the National Park, including representatives from Cameron House Hotel, The Oaktree Inn, and Luss Estates.
John Urquhart, who took on the role of Chairman at the Friends’ 2023 AGM, provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s activities and projects during his Chairman’s Report and presentation. This included an update on planning developments within and near the National Park.
In his address, John stated, “It has been a busy year for us in terms of planning, with six major applications currently active or pending. After extensive pre-application consultations, the proposal for Flamingoland’s Lomond Banks holiday and leisure development has been officially submitted and is awaiting a decision. West Dumbarton Council has reversed their previous opposition and is now in support of the project. Additionally, an application has been submitted to develop the former torpedo testing range site at the head of Loch Long, and Simply Blue is appealing against the National Park’s refusal of its Loch Long fish farm application. Furthermore, Coriolis, a renewable energy company, has applied for a 10-turbine wind farm on the western end of the Kilpatrick Hills, and Scottish and Southern Electricity is seeking permission to upgrade their 75-year-old Sloy hydro-electric facility to a pumped storage system. Strathclyde University is also in the process of submitting an application for a large-scale photovoltaic array at their Ross Priory property.”
John continued, “In the past, the Friends have generally supported planning applications that were deemed to have minimal impact on the environment and would benefit the local economy. As such, we initially supported the Flamingoland, Loch Long fish farm, and Torpedo Range proposals, and our support for them remains unchanged. However, the urgency of addressing the global warming crisis has prompted us to rethink our stance on renewable energy. While we have previously opposed large-scale wind turbines, we now support applications outside the park, even if they are visible within the park. This is why we have publicly supported the Coriolis Vale of Leven wind farm project. We will also support the Sloy and Ross Priory applications once they are finalized. It is important to note that our support for these projects is contingent upon the developers investing in the natural capital of the area within and around the National Park. To that end, we have begun discussions with Simply Blue, Coriolis, and SSE about potential community and environmental benefits that could be offered should their applications be successful. Local Energy Scotland is assisting us with the procedural aspects of this process, which involves identifying and involving other community organizations who may also become stakeholders in these two energy-related projects. I am pleased to announce that Simply Blue has already agreed to sponsor one of the A82 Visitor Management Scheme litter bins as part of our Bonnie Banks Bin Scheme project, even before commencing any work on their Loch Long fish farm.”
In his review of the past year, John also highlighted the success of various projects, including the 2023 Two Lochs Visitor Management project, which provided temporary toilet facilities at Duck Bay and Arrochar, hired a seasonal visitor warden, and installed 20 new litter bins along the A82. He also noted the achievements of the Young Friends work, which engaged local youngsters in outdoor adventure activities to learn more about the National Park. Heritage projects, such as maintaining Tom Weir’s Rest at Balmaha, were also highlighted, as were the three successful volunteering “Make a Difference Days” that involved litter picking on some of Loch Lomond’s islands, working at Trossachs Pier on Loch Katrine, and helping to tidy the grounds and gardens at Callander Primary School. The Friends’ continued campaigning and lobbying efforts on matters impacting the National Park, such as the proposed A82 upgrade, were also commended. John also acknowledged the organization’s role as financial broker and project manager for the replacement of the Tarbet “Faerie” Bridge, which was funded by the Dr. Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Fund.
In closing, John stated, “With a new leader at the helm, the Friends are adding a new “P” for “Positive” to our existing three “Ps” – to Provide, Promote, and Protect the National Park. In regards to renewable energy schemes, we are no longer “NIMBYS” (Not In My Backyard), but are now “YIMBYS” (Yes In My Backyard). It is crucial to take a positive stance towards renewable energy to protect the park. Unfortunately, the National Park itself seems to underestimate the importance of promoting renewable energy if
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.