The propaganda
The reality
First the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA) went after the campers, confining them to a few “permit areas” around the loch shores; then they went for the day visitors by shutting down visitor infrastructure and making it harder and harder to get to places; who and what will be next?
The LLTNPA’s attempts to restrict access represent not just an attack on access rights but on local culture and traditions. The people who are fighting back and challenging all the propaganda being spewed out by what is supposed to be a National Park are to be celebrated.
You forgot the boaters!
Introduced a registration scheme which treats all powered craft equally so sailing craft with small auxilliary outboards are regarded in the same way as high powered speed and ski boats with open exhausts.
Discouraged private launching slips. shut down the launch facility at Millarochy and close the oversubscribed and chaotic slip at Balloch one weekend every year for a swimming event that could be held anywhere.
Buoyed off more and more parts of the loch including popular anchorages of long standing, citing “conservation” legislation with the threat of draconian penalties.
Pester people using the island beaches with encounters with their Rangers of the “mind how you go” variety.
Most recently, introduced a requirement for official photo ID to operate a boat on the loch, unique in the UK as far as I know.
The aim is the same, reduce visitor numbers.
Just remembering the farmers field just north of Balmaha. He used to charge £1 for all day. On a good day it was full with families enjoying the beach. I was there last week and it was deserted. The park seems to be increasingly catering for quick stop Instagram tourists. Local people are being priced out. Went for a bivi on Narnain the other night. Shocked to see parking at Arrochar £1.50 an hour for the whole 24 hours. The whole area is becoming more unaffordable and inaccessible to local people.