Latest news with #TheTrossachsNationalParkAuthority
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Daily Record
Loch Lomond warning to revellers as temperatures set to soar across Scotland
Police Scotland and partners relaunched Operation Ballaton - a summer initiative aimed at keeping visitors and communities safe across Balloch, Loch Lomond and surrounding areas. Officers have issued a stern warning to anyone planning to cause disruption at Loch Lomond this summer. As temperatures are set to soar this weekend, Police Scotland alongside partner agencies have relaunched Operation Ballaton - a seasonal crackdown designed to protect visitors and local communities throughout Balloch, Loch Lomond and the wider region. The collaborative initiative is focused on combating antisocial conduct while maintaining a strong police presence across key locations during summer. Authorities made it clear disruptive behaviour will face zero tolerance and swift action, reports Glasgow Live. Inspector Colin Cameron from Police Scotland said: "Balloch and the surrounding areas attract large numbers of people during the summer months, and we are committed to making sure they remain safe, welcoming places for everyone. "Officers will be on high-visibility patrol throughout the summer, supported by our partners, and anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour, violence or criminal activity will be dealt with firmly and proportionately. "We are clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will use every tool available to prevent it and take action when necessary. "We understand that recent incidents involving serious violence among young people in other parts of Scotland have caused concern. "While reported incidents of violent crime remain at historically low levels, we are not complacent. Through Operation Ballaton, we will continue to focus our resources where they are most needed, working closely with partners to address any issues that arise and to ensure the public can feel confident and safe in this area. "Young people are often among those who travel to the area in groups, particularly in warmer weather. While many behave responsibly, we know this is not always the case. "We are asking parents and carers to take the time to speak to their children and young people about the risks of getting involved in disorder - and the very real consequences it can have for victims, communities and their own futures." Leigh Hamilton, Ranger Service Manager, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, added: "We welcome and fully support Police Scotland's Operation Ballaton this year, continuing our established partnership. "The operation's effectiveness comes from a multi-agency collaboration focused on maintaining public safety through coordinated action by all partners, including our National Park Rangers and emergency services. "Our shared objective is to ensure that everyone feels welcome and can enjoy the National Park this summer while doing so safely, responsibly, and respectfully. "Through coordinated communication and shared resources among partners on the ground, we are better positioned to deliver an effective, prevention-focused approach that targets known hotspot areas both on land and water in Balloch, Loch Lomond, and the surrounding areas this summer." Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Watch Commander Chris Spence also said: "We always work with our communities to explain the risks of fire, but it's important to stress that deliberate fire-setting is a crime and can have a serious impact on local communities. "People who set fires need to be aware that getting involved in this type of behaviour can have a big impact on your future. "Once you light that match, you have no control or way of knowing what happens next. "Not only are you risking damage to property and wildlife, you're putting yourself and others in danger. It's just not worth it." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Depute Council Leader, Councillor David McBride said: "It is no wonder people choose to come to Balloch during the summer months with the stunning natural environment we have here. "We know the majority of visitors want to make the most of this beautiful area, but unfortunately there are some who are intent on engaging in anti-social behaviour. "Joined up working between partners happens all year round, but with the particular focus of Operation Ballaton, we can help to keep people safe and ensure Loch Lomond can be enjoyed by all." Public byelaws, such as the ban on drinking alcohol in public places, will be rigorously enforced. There will be patrols in key locations including Balloch Park, nearby train stations, Luss, and other areas that see a lot of visitors.
Glasgow Times
07-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Trossachs Explorer bus returns for summer 2025 season
The Trossachs Explorer, operated by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, officially began on Monday, July 7, and will run until October 5. To mark the occasion, members of the National Authority team joined drivers from McColl's, the company operating the service, to exchange knowledge on the route. Trossachs Explorer driver Colin MacDonald and National Park Authority Ranger Team Leader Suzanne Humphries (Image: Supplied) This move aims to ensure passengers have the best experience and learn more about the national park landscape during their journey. The service features two low-emission, modern buses running daily between Drymen and Callander. Read more: Glasgow children invited to write poem about classic British vegetable They stop at popular visitor spots including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk, and Kilmahog for Ben Ledi. Gordon Watson, chief executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "Following the success of last years' service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer - helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park join McColls bus drivers for Trossachs Explorer launch in Drymen (Image: Supplied) "The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. "Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses.' The service also offers improved connectivity with coordinated timetables linking existing bus services to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria, and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times. All-day tickets cost £6 for adults, £3.50 for children, and £5.65 for students. Group or family tickets are £16 for up to five people. A seven-journey saver ticket is available for £25. Under 22s and over 60s travel free with a National Entitlement Card. Cllr Jen Preston, convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee said: 'There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to." Liam McColl, director of McColl's, said: 'This is a real opportunity to show what rural public transport can achieve when it's planned around local needs, environmental priorities and visitor access. 'Our team has worked closely with the National Park Authority to design a timetable that provides reliable, accessible connections - not just for visitors, but for local people too.' This summer, the service will trial further enhancements and route expansions as part of ongoing efforts to provide sustainable travel options, reduce congestion, ease parking pressures, and help people connect with and protect the national park's environment.
The Herald Scotland
07-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Sustainable bus pilot gets underway in National Park
The pilot service, which runs until to October 5 this year, follows a successful 2024 pilot that welcomed over 5,000 passengers. To mark the occasion National Authority team members, joined drivers from McColl's, who will be operating the service to exchange knowledge on the route, ensuring passengers this year have the best experience, and learn more about the landscape of the National Park on their journey. Two low-emission, modern buses will run seven days a week between Drymen and Callander, stopping at popular visitor destinations including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi). READ MORE The service will trial further enhancements and route expansions this summer as part of ongoing efforts by the National Park Authority to provide sustainable travel options, reduce congestion, ease parking pressures and help visitors and residents connect and protect the National Park's special environment. Speaking about the pilot last month, Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "Following the success of last years' service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer - helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. "The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. "Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership. This expanded pilot allows us to continue to gather the insight and evidence needed to develop long-term transport solutions across the entire National Park.' The Trossachs Explorer (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee commented: 'The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to.'Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities.' Liam McColl, Director of McColl's, added: 'We're proud to be operating the Trossachs Explorer service this summer, helping connect communities and visitors across one of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes. This is a real opportunity to show what rural public transport can achieve when it's planned around local needs, environmental priorities and visitor access. 'Our team has worked closely with the National Park Authority to design a timetable that provides reliable, accessible connections - not just for visitors, but for local people too. The feedback from last year's pilot has been invaluable, and we're excited to build on that by trialling new improvements and laying the groundwork for what we hope becomes a permanent, year-round network. It's great to see growing momentum behind sustainable rural transport, and we're delighted to be part of that story in the Trossachs.' The Trossachs Explorer is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund.
The National
26-06-2025
- The National
New bus service for Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park launches
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority have announced that The Trossachs Explorer will return next month, giving passengers the opportunity to explore some of the best parts of the region. The service will run from July 7 to October 5, following a successful 2024 pilot that welcomed more than 5000 passengers. Two low-emission, modern buses will run seven days a week between Drymen and Callander, stopping at popular visitor destinations including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi). READ MORE: Oasis reveals fan shop location and opening times ahead of Edinburgh show The service will also co-ordinate timetables linking existing bus routes to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times. Gordon Watson, chief executive at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, welcomed the service as he said it will help tackle the number of cars that visit the area every day. (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) He said: 'Following the success of last year's service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer – helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. 'The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. 'Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership.' All-day tickets will be available at £6 for adults, £3.50 for children and £5.65 for students. Group/family tickets will cost £16 for up to five people, and passengers can also purchase a seven-journey saver ticket for £25 and under 22s and over 60s can travel for free with a National Entitlement Card. The service will be operated by McColls and is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund. (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) Councillor Jen Preston, convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee said: 'The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. 'There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to. 'Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities.'
STV News
16-05-2025
- Climate
- STV News
Loch Lomond visitors urged to avoid naked flames amid 'extreme' wildfire warning
A Scottish national has urged visitors to avoid lighting naked flames amid an 'extreme' wildfire warning from the fire service. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority issued the warning as Scotland continues to see dry and sunny weather into the weekend. It comes after a spate of wildfires across the country have broken out, prompting an 'extreme' risk alert from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Fauldhouse Today Wildfire near Fauldhouse Fire crews have been battling wildfires across Scotland this week, including one in West Lothian which burned for five days. Firefighters were also called to an 800m blaze near Cumnock in East Ayrshire on Thursday, which reignited and burned overnight. A fire on the Isle of Arran in April raged for three days at Glen Rosa, 'decimating' the reptile population. Police Scotland Wildfire on the Isle of Arran. The latest alert is in place until Monday, May 19. A spokesperson for the national park said the advice to the public is 'clear', urging visitors to completely avoid the use of naked flames while the alert is in place. Leigh Hamilton, ranger service manager at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said the recent wildfires highlighted the devastating impact 'a single reckless act' can have. 'A carelessly discarded barbecue or cigarette can destroy precious ecosystems, as well as lives and livelihoods,' they said. They added that there has been an 'unprecedented number of bin fires and significant damage to visitor facilities' across the park's sites. 'As we face drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to act responsibly. During high-risk periods, please avoid using any naked flames, including disposable barbecues, and ensure waste is properly disposed of. 'We also encourage anyone who witnesses a rural wildfire to immediately call 999 – never assume someone else has done so.' It comes as Scotland is experiencing its driest start to a year in over 60 years, with only 59% of the long-term average rainfall from January to April. As a result, Scottish Water has also urged people to take shorter showers and to avoid using hoses to protect resources. Area commander Joe McKay, SFRS local senior officer for East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute, said responsible human behaviour can 'significantly lower' the chance of a wildfire starting. 'Many people are out enjoying this weather and are visiting our national parks. While we don't want to spoil their fun, we are urging people to absolutely avoid the use of naked flames, including barbecues, at this time,' they said. Mr McKay added that discarded cigarettes and unsupervised campfires pose a 'significant threat', so it's vital to follow all safety advice. They said that wildfires can cause 'significant damage' to rural and remote communities. 'Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities,' Mr McKay said. 'These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of air-polluting gases into the atmosphere.' Chief inspector Simon Shanks, local area commander for Police Scotland added: 'As the good weather continues, we are working with our partners to encourage everyone to stay safe and behave responsibly. 'We want everyone to enjoy the local area and be safe. Please make sure you are aware of wildfire guidance and safety around open water. Take home any litter and be respectful to others at all times.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
