Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed and MP Alyn Smith have met with Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, to hear more about plans for management of the coming tourist season.

The meeting, on the sunny banks of Loch Lubnaig, provided Ms Tweed and Mr Smith an opportunity to discuss ongoing concerns raised by constituents, as well as seek further reassurances as to the National Park’s strategy to cope with increasing visitor numbers across the ongoing ‘staycation’ season.

Mr Watson outlined the various plans in place to ensure visitors and local residents could benefit from a safe and controlled visitor environment, from increased staffing, greater numbers of park rangers, and investment in key infrastructure.

Evelyn Tweed MSP said:

‘Tourism is vitally important for Stirling’s rural communities, and the last 15 months of pandemic-related disruption has hit them hard. Now that inward tourism is booming, visitor management remains crucial to make sure everyone’s experience can be a pleasant one. I was quite impressed with the preparation the National Park has undertaken in the run-up to the tourist season, and look forward to ongoing partnership work to make a success of this summer.’ 

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘As ever, the work that Gordon and his team are undertaking here in the National Park is crucially important to the success of our rural communities. Tourism that is both sustainable for the environment as well as local residents is so important, and the National Park will continue to play a key role in promoting sustainability and boosting seasonal businesses.’