Issue - meetings

Update by Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust and Friends of Loch Lomond

The Group considered a written and verbal update from Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust and Friends of Loch Lomond, which provided information around the Two Lochs Visitor Management Project undertaken to make a difference for visitors and the local community in Arrochar and Tarbet throughout the Summer of 2021. The written update provided background information in relation to the varying factors and challenges which had required a local Working Group to take action.

The written update also included information relating to the sources of funding identified to meet the requirement for a number of projects, including the provision of suitable temporary toilet facilities; the employment of seasonal visitor wardens; and the production of information signage. It was noted that the projects had resulted in great benefit to the community, and examples of positive feedback received from websites, surveys, and local and national organisations were included in the update.

Duncan noted that the Summer had been very busy with visitor management activities, and particularly highlighted the work which had been undertaken by wardens around maintaining the temporary toilet facilities; litter picking; providing guidance and advice to visitors; and providing assistance with tidying local paths and walkways. He also outlined details of work undertaken by wardens and volunteers to produce ‘window openings’ which allowed unobstructed views of the Loch.

Duncan also provided the Group with a presentation, including pictures of the work which had been carried out throughout the Summer. He advised that the next steps were now to review the project and confirm what could be put in place next year, noting that the implementation of permanent toilets at the head of Loch Long would be a key target.

Kirsty Moyes congratulated Duncan and the Trust on their hard work during a busy Summer, and offered her support with any challenges which could be assisted by partnership working. Duncan confirmed that discussions were ongoing with colleagues at Argyll and Bute Council and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park around the proposed strategy for next year, including how temporary provisions in place could be improved and taken forward on a more permanent basis.

Councillor Paterson reiterated his thanks for the work undertaken, and particularly noted the hard work of local wardens. Discussion took place around the ‘window openings’ on the Loch and Duncan confirmed that continuous maintenance of regrowth would be required by wardens and volunteers, however the wardens would soon be finishing for the season due to funding limitations.

Sarah Davies enquired about the success of the work around providing additional bins to combat litter, as Plastic Free Helensburgh and Helensburgh Community Council were undertaking some surveys in relation to this in Helensburgh. Duncan confirmed that the project had worked well and had gained a lot of interest, with a full report being prepared to collate statistics and relevant data. Duncan advised that it was likely that an adopt-a-bin scheme may be implemented in future due to the pilot project’s success, however he would welcome the feedback of anyone who regularly travels the local area to inform future decisions around this.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust and Friends of Loch Lomond, submitted)