THIS REPORT RELATES COUNCIL TO ITEM ON THE AGENDA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

10/02/00 NOT EXEMPT

MUGDOCK COUNTRY PARK

1 PURPOSE

1.1 To confirm continued support for the management and development of Country Park.

2 SUMMARY

2.1 The Manager has prepared a five-year development plan for the Park. The report sets out the development strategy to reflect the increased service demands of local communities, day visitors and commercial outlets, as well as recognising the competition that will come from new tourism and recreational development such as that at Drumkinnon Bay at Balloch and the Millennium Link based on the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals. The Mugdock Management Committee considered the report at its last meeting and agreed to support the principles contained within the strategy. A copy of the report will be available in the Members Lounge.

3 RECOMMENDATION(S)

3.1 It is recommended that the Committee support the five-year development plan (2000-2004) for Mugdock Country Park.

4 CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 Mugdock Country Park was originally developed by Central Regional Council, Strathclyde Regional Council, Bearsden and District Council and Stirling District Council. At reorganisation in 1996, a revised agreement was established with Council (EDC). However EDC rapidly recognised the value of the facility to their residents and have now taken over the role of managing the Park. Stirling Council’s financial commitment to the management Committee has now been reduced to 12.5% for both capital and revenue expenditure.

4.2 With visitor numbers in excess of 400,000 per annum, the Park is clearly a significant recreational and tourist facility both for locals and visitors to the area. From previous survey information, it is estimated that approximately -2-

35,000 Stirling area residents will make use of the facilities at Mugdock. Recent commercial outlets, including craft developments and a garden centre, have increased the spread of attractions and provided complementary elements to the recreational and catering facilities. Twelve staff are directly employed in running the Park, with 5 retail units giving employment to an additional 19 people.

4.3 While the 5 year plan contains a number of significant capital elements, with the principal components focused on the upgrading of Craigend Visitor Centre, in the short term funding is to be allocated to the consolidation of , the upgrading of the public toilets and completion of the Craigend Walled Garden. The completion of the consolidation of Mugdock Castle, in particular, will provide an added dimension to the visitor attractions.

4.4 The 5 year plan identifies various issues that are likely to impact on the Park’s development and staff resources in the near future. At a local level the most significant are likely to be the potential influence of the new National Park, based on Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and greater participation in East Dunbartonshire’s activities outwith Mugdock. As a visitor destination in its own right, or a providing gateway facilities close to the new National Park, Mugdock must be seen to play a dual function in offering a significant base for tourist and recreationalists as well as helping to alleviate the anticipated visitor pressure on the Park.

4.5 Apart from Stirling and East Dunbartonshire Councils, contributions to the capital programme are received regularly from the Mugdock Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage, Strathclyde European Partnership, Dunbartonshire Enterprise and Historic . Revenue expenditure is mainly provided by Stirling and East Dunbartonshire Councils, Scottish Natural Heritage and through the Park’s own income.

4.6 The Park remains not only a significant contributor to the economy of the south-west part of our area, but also provides gateway facilities to the rest of the District and the proposed National Park.

5 POLICY IMPLICATIONS

5.1 None.

6 CONSULTATIONS

6.1 The five-year plan has been considered by the Mugdock Management Committee.

7 RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

7.1 None.

File Name: EQ136RH -3-

8 BACKGROUND PAPERS

8.1 A copy of the five-year plan will be available in the Members Lounge.

Author(s) Name Designation Tel No/Extension

Robert Hunter Countryside Development Ext 2751 Officer

Approved by Name Designation Signature

David Martin Director of Environmental Services

Date 27 January 2000 Reference

File Name: EQ136RH