The Magazine of the Friends of Loch Lomond & The

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VoiceTHE MAGAZINE OF THE FRIENDS OF LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 1 2/4/09 17:29:45 12 20 19 18 14

4 Letter from the President 14 Project news 21 Friends events 2009 ;OLSH[LZ[KL]LSVWTLU[ZPUV\Y /V^`V\JHUNL[PU]VS]LK[OPZ 5 From the Director’s chair UL^WYVQLJ[Z Z\TTLY -YPLUKZ»+PYLJ[VY4HY[PU=HYSL` VUOV^TLTILYZJHUOLSW[OL 15 Planning news 22 King Arthur and Loch ZVJPL[`

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6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 3 1/4/09 18:49:50 Letter from the Friends guidebook hits President the shops At the start of this year I had the pleasure of The Friends’ new guidebook to the Loch the company of Sir Malcolm Colquhoun and his Lomond & The Trossachs National Park wife at Auchendarron. Sir Malcolm has accepted should be in bookshops in early spring. The our invitation to be Honorary Vice-President of guide focuses on the natural and cultural Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and we heritage of the National Park and the talked about many of the issues facing the area. I elements of the landscape for which it was have known the Colquhoun family for more than designated. 30 years and know they have a fond attachment The guide is divided into chapters to Loch Lomond. Sir Malcolm’s grandfather was covering the four areas of the National Park rector of Glasgow University and helped to set - Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Breadalbane up the National Trust for Scotland. Sir Malcolm and the Argyll Forest. Each section oﬀers was one of the last Colquhouns to live at Rossdhu descriptions of where to go and what to from where he went on to study at Eton. see, with information about facilities and services as well as details of the history and Although much of his time is now spent away background to the places described. from Loch Lomond, his heart is firmly here. The The guide was produced to help children of his wife Kate’s preparatory school even visitors discover the special places of the have the Colquhoun tartan in their uniform. National Park. Its focus is on natural and We talked of many of the times we have cultural heritage. It does not have a lot known over the past decades and Sir Malcolm of information about tourist attractions, was very interested to hear of the plans which accommodation and places to eat as this is we have for developing the Friends. In this year readily available from visitor information when tourism is focusing much on homecoming centres and the internet. and getting Scots abroad to come to Scotland I ‘We want people who come to the would like to see the Friends share the clan National Park to know why it’s a special heritage of the area. The Colquhouns are just one place. We can’t expect people to want to of the many clans which have associations with conserve a landscape they don’t understand’ Loch Lomond. We have videos of clan hiﬆory said Friends Director Martin Varley. ‘Although there is information out there, it produced a number of years ago and I would like is not always easy for the visitor to get hold to see us convert these into DVD format so that of, which is partly why we have written the more people may be able to hear the fascinating guide. We want people to get out there and stories which the clans have to tell. enjoy the National Park and then join us in Following my meeting with the National trying to keep it special.’ Park Authority and the Highways Agency in the ‘Discover Loch Lomond & The Trossachs autumn I am still waiting to hear what will be National Park’ is published by Birlinn. It done about my offer to improve the Stoneymollan will be available in May priced £9.99, but is roundabout. Some German visitors who stopped free to members of Friends of Loch Lomond by recently asked when it would be finished - a & The Trossachs. sentiment I’m sure we can all relate to! Yours aye! Hannah

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6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 4 1/4/09 18:49:50 These are difficult times for many charities to encourage a friend or family member to and Friends of Loch Lomond & The join the Friends. Trossachs are no different. We have seen Our current membership is less than our investments fall, our membership 500. We would like to see this number numbers waver and legacies and donations increase to 2000 over the next two years. come to a temporary standstill. It’s a hard target to achieve, but with 70% But it is not all doom and gloom. of Scotland’s population less than an hour’s From the There have been great leaps forward for drive away we feel that there must be a the Friends over the past few months. huge pool of untapped potential members We are about to embark on two major who care about the Loch Lomond and the Director’s projects which will help to spread our Trossachs area, and it is this unreached message of conservation into the farthest potential to which we would like to appeal. corner of the National Park. Our tourism If every member was able to get one chair and conservation project is helping us new member, we’d be half way towards our Now more than ever to work with businesses like Cameron total already. You can give them the leaflet, the Friends need you, House and Ross Priory to achieve practical or enrol them as a gift member if you like. conservation activity on the ground. Don’t forget you also need to fill one say Friends Director We now have the opportunity to meet of the membership forms in yourself if you Martin Varley with people from Dunoon to Drymen are renewing your membership. We want to talk with them about our projects and to review all our existing members so need other ways we can work together to protect to confirm your details and give you the the landscape of the National Park on opportunity to take advantage of our new which we all depend. members’ services. Our wildlife project, which we hope As members you can also help by to have confirmation of funding over the volunteering for us. There are opportunities next few weeks, will help people enjoy the advertised throughout The Voice and new National Park more, by bringing all the roles will be posted on our website as they information about wildlife in the park into are introduced so keep visiting www.lochl to one place. There’s more news on these omondtrossachs.org.uk. It’s a good way to projects on pages 14 and 15. catch up on news from the area too. But more than high profile project we We’re always happy to hear from need your support as members, not just members so if you have any thoughts about through subscriptions, but also through what we should be doing in the National involvement as volunteers and on our Park to help conserve its natural and events. With this copy of The Voice are two cultural beauty or what you would like to copies of our new membership leaflet. As do as a member then please get in touch. I well as filling in one copy yourself we’d look forward to sharing ideas with you at like to challenge you to use the other one our forthcoming AGM. V

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6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 5 1/4/09 18:49:50 NationalPark5L^Z K[`ggd[àd\j]f`]dh[gfk]jn]]f\Yf_]j]\Dg[`Dgegf\Úk` and are native to only two lochs, who have taken part. I hope that Loch Lomond and Lock Eck. in future years we can engage even Worryingly, there is increasing more schools in this innovative evidence that the Loch Lomond scheme.” population is under pressure from Pupils of the two primary introductions of non-native fish schools have been given a classroom species. hatchery in which to care for their Speaking about the project, fish over approximately an eight Young rare freshwater fish called Dr. Colin Adams of the Scottish week period. The hatchery is a Powan, were released into Loch Centre for Ecology and the Natural simple design and the children Lomond by Pupils from Drymen Environment, a research facility on have been keeping the water cool Primary School in early March. the banks of Loch Lomond, said, using recycled drinks bottles filled Impressively, the fish had all been “The long term survival of rare and with water and frozen as ice packs. reared by the pupils who, along with endangered species will only be During the project the schools are Buchannan Primary, are taking part achieved if we can also inspire new visited weekly by staff from the in an education project run by the generations about their environment centre, who teach the children Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust. and the species that live there. This about the fish they are raising and Powan are one of the rarest project has fired the enthusiasm the aquatic ecology of the loch. lake dwelling fish in Scotland and imagination of the children New homes for barn owls Prospects for barn owls in the number of suitable barn owl nest been carefully selected to ensure National Park are looking up sites has been identified as a priority that each new residence has good following the installation of 20 new in the National Park’s Biodiversity hunting ground close by. nest boxes thanks to the National Action Plan. Mike explains: As the nest boxes have been Park Authority’s Natural Heritage “Barn owls need a good supply put up over the winter there is a Grant Scheme. The scheme, which of field voles which live in long, chance that some may be used for is also supported by Scottish tussocky grassland, but good safe breeding in 2009. Mike is licensed Natural Heritage, has awarded nest sites are increasingly hard to by Scottish Natural Heritage to ring £3438 to local barn owl enthusiast find. Traditionally barn owls nest barn owl chicks and will return over Mike Steward which has enabled in old buildings or hollow trees but the summer hoping that the new him to identify suitable new nest many old buildings are being re- homes have proved attractive. sites south of Loch Lomond with developed and hollow trees have a If you regularly see barn owls the help of landowners in the area. limited life span.” within the National Park, know Barn owls are a heavily Mike’s project has addressed of nest sites, or would like to do protected species and although this problem by installing twenty your bit to help this species, please there is plenty of foraging habitat custom built nest boxes, ten of contact National Park Ranger in the National Park they struggle which have gone into buildings and Adam Samson on 01389 722102. to find nest sites, so increasing the ten into trees. All the sites have

6 The Voice Spring 2009

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 6 1/4/09 18:49:51 Forest heritage comes to David Marshall Lodge Underwater Canyon The forgotten remnants of Scotland’s past that discovered under lay hidden within forests around the country Loch Lomond are now being brought The first survey of Loch Lomond back to life by asking the in 147 years has found Scotland’s descendants of Scots who most famous loch is 600 feet deep lived and worked there to in places with sheer cliffs lining an share their memories of the underwater canyon. lost communities. The British Geological Survey The Forest Heritage Project is an online appeal to descendants to delve used the latest technology - multi- into their family backgrounds and post photographs or snippets of family beam sonar - to map the floor of lore on a specially created website. Loch Lomond. The last time the A permanent memorial – a Wall of Memories – is also to be created at bottom of the loch was surveyed, David Marshall Lodge in the heart of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in 1861, Captain H.C. Otter of National Park. the Admiralty used fishing line The initiative is part of the contribution being made to the Year of with lead weights attached to take Homecoming Celebrations by the Forestry Commission Scotland and the soundings from a rowing boat. Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments Scotland. Loch Lomond is deeper than the They have come up with a top 10 of abandoned sites that are concealed North Sea. The loch was gouged out deep in the forests but deserve their place in the heritage of the nation. by a glacier as the last ice age ended Project co-ordinator Fiona Murray said: “These are mostly places that with a deeply sculpted northern were once living, breathing communities but later, for a variety of reasons, end. The southern end of the loch is had trees planted around them. It is quite eerie to visit some of them as wider and shallower. the stories behind them are quite poignant. But what we want to do is get “The challenge was to produce people’s memories of them and also encourage them to make a visit with a detailed map of the loch floor,” their families.” said Alan Stevenson, who led the For more information visit www.forestheritagescotland.com. mapping team. “At some points it is 190 metres deep at the north end *HYYVJOHU^PUZ*HYIVU;Y\Z[H^HYK and you don’t find that in the open The Loch Lomond & The towards the winning award entry Atlantic until you get out beyond St. Trossachs National Park Authority were the maximum use of timber Kilda.” received the Carbon Trust Low within the building, natural The Loch Lomond and Trossachs Carbon Building Award 2009 for material finishes throughout, the National Park plans to make new Carrochan, the new headquarters primary biomass heating system charts based on the findings and based in Balloch. and passive design strategies for to provide a 3-D image of the loch Now in its third year, the heating, cooling, ventilation and floor for visitors. Carbon Trust Low Carbon lighting. In addition, operational “I was amazed by the steepness Building Award aims to recognise demand for energy is minimised of the sides of the loch,” said the significant carbon saving within the building through Graeme Archibald, the head ranger. potential that exists within the the incorporation of roof lights “It goes down like the Grand building sector, specifically with automatic opening sections Canyon. I have been working on looking at environmental impact, to provide natural ventilation. the loch since 1995 but it was only particularly energy demand and Carrochan received an excellent when I saw the BGS maps that I got emissions, sustainability and BREEAM rating, the industry a real feel for what is underneath the quality of the occupant experience. benchmark for sustainable build. surface.” Some of contributing factors

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6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 7 1/4/09 18:49:53 but pleasant for walking. I did not expect many signs of life, but my 1978 first surprise was a hairy caterpillar. Then a skylark ran up a scale or 29 January two to get in trim for warmer days. ‘The worst blizzard for 20 years’, I hoped to find the eyrie at Black ‘Train lost in snow’, ‘Bus lost Rock in use, but it had not been between Ullapool and Inverness’, added to this year. I found an eagle ‘Hundreds trapped in snowed pellet nearby, and a dead ewe – the up cars’. These headlines in the only one I found all day, but it morning news indicate the state was not until I reached Ben Uamh of the weather here in Scotland. that I found an eyrie with signs of But here at Cuilness, no snow fell recent occupation. Unfortunately overnight, and there was no frost, this is the one which is very easily so there was even more grass visible approached, and if the eagles are today than yesterday. It was still using it there is little likelihood of very cold in the strong north wind, a brood. On my return journey I The but bearable. My first surprise today saw a ring ouzel and a wheatear. I was to find a line of badger tracks have not checked my records, but in the far park. The badger had I think these must be the earliest Loch walked along the edge of the loch, sightings. There were masses of then crossed the snow towards the purple saxifrage on the rock faces, woods, which now contain little Lomond and in the sheltered places a little snow. My second surprise was to green among the heather. Snow find a dead deer calf. Its presence still lingers in the gullies. Today was revealed by two hooded crows. Diaries has been sunny and dry, so I got The deer had lost one eye to the on with the garden retrieving a During the 1960s and crows but was otherwise unmarked. few sheets of glass from old cars at 70s John Groome lived It had not been dead very long for Tarbet. at Cuilness, a remote it was still warm. I dragged it down the hill to a sheltered spot near the cottage on the east 2 May house, graloched it, skinned it and shore of Loch Lomond. Damn, damn, damn! Another error cut off the haunches and left the rest The journals he wrote of judgement costing the life of a for the predators. The paunch was during that time are a lamb. Yesterday evening I found a full and the large intestine packed unique record of life pathetically small hungry lamb near solid enough for it to have died of I`[OLSVJOYL]LHSPUN the forest fence. I could see no ewe, constipation. Certainly it had not the changing seasons but in case it was one of twins I fed starved to death and there were no he saw and passing the lamb hoping the ewe would external injuries. But whatever the characters he met. John return. It was getting dusk, the time cause of death I shall not hesitate to died early in 2009 and he when sheep and lambs settle down, make good use of the meat on the but I did not want to move the OHZSLM[[OLZLYLTHYRHISL haunches. The offal was best left to lamb in case its mother returned. handwritten journals to the buzzards. At sundown the grey I hung a scarf over it to scare away Friends of Loch Lomond clouds blushed and hurried away. & The Trossachs. the foxes. But this morning there was just a body among a scatter 7\ISPZOLKOLYLHYLQ\Z[ 6 April of blood stained leaves and bits of a handful of excerpts, Promise of a fine though cloudy day wool. The crows had killed it and brought an opportunity to climb PSS\Z[YH[LKI`1VOU»ZVÛ taken its eyes. I found a dead ewe, the hills for the first time this year. sketches. perhaps its mother, though I think It was cool in the easterly wind,

8 The Voice Spring 2009

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 8 1/4/09 18:49:53 have never seen the Maid so packed just before sundown when all the with people on the upper decks, flower colours are enhanced. The users of the path were no more lamb which I was feeding was taken numerous than usual. The road on away to be brought up with others the other side of the loch was busy, of its kind. Just as well as here milk and the build up on the Inversnaid costs 13½ p a pint and it drank a road was considerable by the pint a day. Keeping it here would afternoon. I walked up to the picnic have cost a mint, and I would not area in the morning and it was even get mint sauce for my troubles. empty except for the shepherd’s car. Toad spawn has hatched much I went there to touch up a notice quicker than frog spawn. I was able on the gate and to expose my final to save a lot of the frog tadpoles films on the old pipe line used to this year by moving them from the convey water to power the turbines sump to the burn before sheep dip for the Loch Arklet construction ran into the sump. it had been dead for longer than scheme about 80 years ago. Today the lamb could have lived without has again been fine and warm. I 20 August milk. It lay doubled up in the did find time to take a close look Yesterday was foul, low cloud and burn, into which it had no doubt at one of the pear trees to see what drenching rain for most of the day, slipped when reaching for an odd fruit had set. Some of the small so when I saw a party of young men blade of grass growing out of the fruit had already been damaged at the bridge consulting a map I rocks. Removal of the body will be by caterpillar. The tree is over big went to see if they needed advice. difficult, but I must get it out as to spray with my hand sprayer, but They were a party of military cadets walkers sometimes drink from the I found that I could shake a lot on a training exercise. Their leader, burn. The other lamb will be more of the grubs off and prevent their Michael Harrison, was thinking of fortunate, as the shepherd chanced re-climbing the tree by putting a taking them across the hill to sleep to find a lamb of similar size, which grease band around the trunk. If out in waterproof sleeping bags had slipped and hanged itself in a I continue to give the tree a shake somewhere along Loch Arklet. With cleft of rock on the hill. He brought I may get a pear or two this year. hill fog well down I thought a night its mother down to the fank, and Rowan blossom scents the air with out in existing weather conditions in a short time had dressed the live its heady perfume, and the bluebells might be more misery provoking lamb in the dead lamb’s skin. Thus are more beautiful this year than than their training warranted and clad it was introduced to its foster I have seen them for some time. offered use of the barn. After a little mother, and without hesitation it They look splendid in the evening consideration the offer was accepted made a dive for the milk-swollen – to cheers from the cadets. Their udder. Both are now housed quietly kits were left in the barn and together in the confines of the pen. they continued unladen to Loch The pen is matier than the sward. Arklet to carry out map reading Tree pipits have returned. I planted exercises, returning before dusk to potatoes today. settle down in the barn. The senior officer I had already spoken to and 30 May his assistant Mark Hallums left Yesterday was a bank holiday and the boys at the dam ‘to give them the Queen’s Birthday holiday for unsupervised responsibility’ and Glasgow, so with temperature above went down to Inversnaid Hotel. 80oF I expected the lochside to be They came to my door about 9pm very busy, particularly as the Maid with a thanks offering from that of the Loch had started its summer source, so I invited them in. We excursions. However, although I had been chatting for a while J

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6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 9 1/4/09 18:49:54 Inversnaid once a fortnight. Robert was compensated by the Post Office for collecting his own mail. There was a post office in Inversnaid in those days and he was paid 3s 6d a week as his own postman, quite a lot in the 1930s. Sometimes he swam across the loch. He even swam from Inveruglas once. In those days there was a horse drawn coach service from Inversnaid Hotel to Loch Katrine, and when Mrs. Blair who owned the hotel at the time retired in 1938, Robert ferried buyers from the west side of the loch, demanding £18 for his services in addition to what he got from the Danish cyclists visiting Cuilness in August 1978 passengers. He must have been a man of extraordinary stamina to do this kind of thing. On one occasion, when another knock at the door so this week I have had plenty of laden with bales of hay, his boat hit was heard. Two young men wanted interesting company. The first of a log and sank. Darkness had fallen permission to put up a tent. They the Czar plums were ripe enough to and Robert had to swim ashore and had experienced some difficulties pick. make his way home. Many times getting along the forest paths with he walked from Rowchoish and their cycles! I told them to put up 20 October Rowardennan in the darkness, his their tents by the Lochside and then Yesterday I went to Comrie to see path lighted only by a candle held come up for a cup of coffee. They Robert Shanklin who was shepherd in a lantern made from a bottle by were from Denmark, handsome here in the 1930s. He was as eager winding a paraffin soaked string lads of 21, and 22, both training to get information about Cuilness round the glass, lighting the string as teachers. They had been told as I was, and was thrilled to see to crack the base of the bottle, in Glasgow that there was a path photographs I had taken to show then sticking a candle in the neck. from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, him, particularly ones of the house. A candle would last the distance but, loaded as they were with even He had come as shepherd to an from Rowardennan. When his son light camping gear, they found the empty house with no bathroom or going to be the toughest they had toilet – not even an outside one. As had in 1700 miles of cycling from shepherds tend to move from place Demmark. It was a better day today to place in Scotland he had little for their journey to Edinburgh. I furniture, so when R.S. Brown came took their kit to Inversnaid by boat as a raw trainee he must have been so they could enjoy the remainder quite shocked and uncomfortable. of the path to Inversnaid. The I heard of the devastation caused cadets left for their climb up the among the sheep by maggots in Ben and down to Rowardennan. those days and how hard it was to The sun came out and it was quite find sheep on the hills. Rowing boat hot. Another long distance walker was the only means of transport, asked for a site for the night and and Robert rowed as many as 36 two university students on their wool bags, two at a time every year way from John o’ Groats to Land’s up to Inversnaid after clipping. End stopped for a chat this evening, Groceries were carried by boat from

10 The Voice Spring 2009

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 10 1/4/09 18:49:55 was of school age, Robert took by bus. Little snow had fallen in mouth of the burn was frozen him across to Tarbet school, the west, but a fresh wind blew over, and the midday sunrise, but when Dumbartonshire and I was a little anxious about reflected in icicles fringing the Education Authority found they crossing the loch. However, it rocks, had no power to thaw had a Stirlingshire boy in their looked not too bad. The level the frozen ground. Only a thin midst they stopped him going of the loch had fallen since film of snow lay on the ground, there. Another thing not new is I pulled the boat out of the thick enough to show that there theft. Robert was robbed of 26 water, but I had no difficulty are still a few rabbits about and pullets one night. He kept them with the launching. The ground that although badgers have and his cow in the shed I now was hard with frost but inside been eliminated from Cuilness, use as an engine shed. The barn the boat had no ice in it. The foxes still roam about. Mice and suffered loss of slates in a storm, shop had sold out of fresh milk voles, too, left their footprints and to save his hay Robert so I bought dried. Just as well where they ventured from carried it into his house and as things turned out. When holes in search of food, never stored it in one of his upstairs there is an east wind I usually remaining exposed for long, but bedrooms. Time went all too fast head across the loch towards seeking cover under grass and and I had to leave for the return Rowchoish, then turn north, bracken. Sheep, about thirty of journey to Glasgow and then on so avoiding the down sweep of them, find little to eat in the to a meeting of the Friends of wind from Windy Glen, but this pastures and lower woods, but Loch Lomond. I have been away time the choice was wrong. I the lamb which I released from from Cuilness since Monday soon found myself among waves confinement before I went south afternoon and was glad to find coming from the north and no is not with them. It returned when I got back that last night’s shelter was to be found on the to the fank last night but is not dream that somebody had stolen east side. The waves breaking with them. I have not seen it the garden gate had not come against the boat sent spray high today. true. in the air where the wind caught So the year ends in bitter cold, it and flung more back over me but I shall remember it not for 31 December than I am accustomed to. I had that, but for the lack of midges, The old year dies of to bale out several times and the the disappearance of the badger, hypothermia. I was away for water down my neck wetted my family encounters some of Christmas and what a joy it underclothes. I was glad to get which were due to the awful wet was on Christmas Day to walk into harbour. It did not take me summer, and for the continued in brilliant sunshine and see long to change into dry clothes, enjoyment of my life here at birds which are rare here at light the oil stove and get a fire Cuilness. V this time of year, reed bunting, going, but the house was very yellowhammer and wagtail, cold for a time. Every breath John’s journals cover a 16-year great flocks of lapwing and was visible in the saturated air. period between 1965 and 1981 even a brace of partridges. But That was on Friday. Saturday and are an important archive foul weather was on the way, bought reports of heavy snowfall relating to Loch Lomond. We heralded by floods in Yorkshire in the east and south, blizzard would like to make them more the like of which I have not seen conditions, York isolated by accessible without risking the on my journeys south. This side floods and snow, villages in original handwritten manuscripts of the Yorkshire moors snow had Devon and Cornwall cut off, by transcribing the journals and fallen, and by the time I reached and general chaos. Here only a would like to hear from any Glasgow snow was falling there. flurry of snow, but a biting wind The wind had moved round to made a trip across to Tarbet experienced typists who would be the east and there it remained. a hazard, so I cut what wood interested in getting involved in After spending the night in I had gathered and kept two this fascinating project. Contact Glasgow I returned to Tarbet fires going. By this morning the details are on page 3.

^^^SVJOSVTVUK[YVZZHJOZVYN\R 11

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 11 1/4/09 18:49:55 Boat at Luss by 1st Margaret Campbell

Loch Lomond sunrises 3rd by Neil MacGregor

12 The Voice Spring 2009

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 12 2/4/09 17:30:04 Loch Lomond through the lens 2009

Every year Helensburgh Photographic Club and Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs hold a photographic competition highlighting the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond. Here we reproduce this year’s winners.

;VÄUKV\[TVYLHIV\[/LSLUZI\YNO Photographic Club visit www.helensburghphotoclub.org.uk

2nd Millarochy calm by Guy Phillips

^^^SVJOSVTVUK[YVZZHJOZVYN\R 13

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 13 2/4/09 17:30:07 For the latest news on our projects Project5L^Z log onto www.lochlomondtrosachs and subscribe to our e-newsletter New project links tourism and conservation A project with the potential to Typica lly raise thousands of pounds for local funds are raised conservation projects in the Loch by voluntary Lomond & The Trossachs National contributions from Park is about to be launched by the visitors. This may Friends of Loch Lomond & The be in the form of an Trossachs. additional charge The project, which works with for a bed night or businesses to raise funds through a meal, but the visitors to the National Park, scheme is flexible received confirmation of funding for novel approaches in February and it is hoped that a to be developed by dedicated officer will be in place businesses too. The initial 12-months project in early spring to take the project ‘Everyone is a winner with the is been funded by LEADER, forward. scheme,’ said Friends’ Director Scottish Enterprise, the Loch The idea behind the scheme Martin Varley. ‘Most businesses in Lomond National Park Authority, is very simple. Funds raised are the National Park are here because Scottish Natural Heritage and West then matched up to conservation, it’s a great place to live and work. Dumbartonshire Council. heritage or community projects This project means businesses Find out more about the new project submited by local groups and and visitors can now make a at our AGM. organisations into a projects ‘bank’. contribution to keeping it that way.’ Patient wait for wildlife project As The Voice about the special species which live volunteerVWWVY[\UP[` goes to press here. we are still We also hope to have a listing of Wildlife volunteers wanted waiting for wildlife events taking place in the >LHYLSVVRPUNMVY]VS\U[LLYZ[VOLSW\Z confirmation National Park, so visitors can easily ^P[O[OL^PSKSPMLWYVQLJ[^LHYLOVWPUN[V from the find what’s on. There will also be [HRLMVY^HYKPU ;OLWYVQLJ[^PSS National opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts MVJ\ZVUTHRPUNWLVWSLTVYLH^HYLVM Park to record their own sightings. ÔH[^PSKSPML[OLYLPZ[VZLLPU[OL5H[PVUHS Authority’s Natural Heritage Grant The Park’s natural heritage is 7HYR>LHYLSVVRPUNMVYJVTW\[LYSP[LYH[L Scheme that we have secured a key quality which needs to be ]VS\U[LLYZÔVHYLLU[O\ZPHZ[PJHIV\[ funding to run a wildlife awareness conserved and we hope that this ^PSKSPML[VOLSWTHPU[HPU[OL^LIZP[L project covering the National Park. project will help increase its value WYVWVZLKHZWHY[VM[OLWYVQLJ[0M`V\ If we are successful the money for visitors to the area. RUV^HIV\[^PSKSPMLHUK^V\SKSPRL[VZOHYL will allow us to create a wildlife Printed guides with a summary `V\YRUV^SLKNL^P[OV[OLYZ[OLUNL[PU network, gathering together all the of the website information will also [V\JOHUK^L^PSSNP]L`V\TVYLKL[HPSZ information about wildlife onto a be available. We hope to report VMÔH[»ZPU]VS]LKLTHPS`V\YUHTLHUK single website. From here visitors on the results of the application at HKKYLZZ[VTHY[PU'SVJOSVTVUK[YVZZHJOZ and businesses will be able to the AGM. If we are successful the VYN\RWOVULVY^YP[L[V\Z discover where to go to see wildlife website should be online by the H[[OLHKKYLZZVUWHNL in the National Park and learn more summer.

14 The Voice Spring 2009

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 14 1/4/09 18:50:12 Planning5L^Z 3VJHSWSHUJVUZ\S[H[PVUZL[ZM\[\YLJV\YZL The consultation period for the these may have. National Park Draft Local Plan The Park is a large area and we Disappointment finished at the end of February. This have only recently taken an interest document will guide the planning in issues across the whole Park. As at approval of process over the next few years and such we did not feel confident to Rowardennan Hotel it is important to get any significant comment about plans for parts of concerns about the plan raised at this the Park with which we have little expansion stage, before the policy is fixed. experience. We contacted local communities However, we have used 7SHUZMVYL_[LUKPUN[OL to ask for their thoughts on the Plan. the consultation process as an 9V^HYKLUUHU/V[LSVU[OL Large allocations of housing are opportunity to make links with LHZ[LYUZPKLVM3VJO3VTVUK planned for Drymen and Callander communities in the Park which we ^LYLNP]LU[OLNVHOLHKI` and there are clearly concerns in the hope to build upon in the future. [OL5H[PVUHS7HYR(\[OVYP[`PU communities there about the impact +LJLTILY;OPZPZKPZHWWVPU[PUN UL^ZHZP[IYPUNZPU[VX\LZ[PVU [OLJVTTP[TLU[VM[OL(\[OVYP[` Big wheel planned for :[YH[LNPJYL]PL^VM [VZ\Z[HPUHISLKL]LSVWTLU[^P[OPU Loch Lomond Shores UH[PVUHSWHYRZ [OL7HYR Tourism issues were again in the During the Autumn the Scottish ;OLHWWYV]HSHSSV^ZMVYH spotlight following an application Government carried out a strategic Z\IZ[HU[PHSPUJYLHZLPU[OL for a temporary fairground wheel review of national parks. We JHWHJP[`VM[OLOV[LSHUK[OL at Loch Lomond Shores. Although had hoped that this might lead PUJVYWVYH[PVUVMHJVUMLYLUJL only a short-term structure we have to a clearer vision about plans to JLU[YL;OPZ^PSSPTWHJ[VU[OL concerns about the precedent such an designate more national parks in JOHYHJ[LYVM[OLL_PZ[PUNI\PSKPUNZ installation would set. The National Scotland. However, it concentrated HUK[OL]PL^ZMYVT)LU3VTVUK Park is a world famous landscape on more management of bureaucratic )\[VMNYLH[LYJVUJLYUPZ[OL which attract people from across the controls within national park [OYLH[[V[OL[YHUX\PSSP[`VM[OL globe. We would like to see tourism authorities, such as reducing the LHZ[LYUZOVYLWHY[PJ\SHYS`HSVUN develop in a way which respects the number of members of national park [OLUHYYV^SVJOZPKLYVHK reputation which the area already has boards. We hope that whatever the as a tourism destination. outcome of the review the important ;OLYLPZHYN\HIS`HULLK[V Aside from the impact such emphasis on both national and local PTWYV]L[OLX\HSP[`VM[V\YPZT a structure would have on the representation on park boards is not WYV]PZPVUPU[OL5H[PVUHS7HYRI\[ loch shore, we do not feel that a diluted. [OPZULLKZ[VILJHYYPLKV\[PUH fairground attraction really reflects During the same period the Z\Z[HPUHISL^H`ÔPJOKVLZUV[ the vision which we would like to people of Harris voted in favour [OYLH[LU[OLX\HSP[PLZMVYÔPJO see for the tourism industry in the of the area becoming a national [OL7HYR^HZKLZPNUH[LK National Park. Similar attractions park. While designation of a special landscape is to be welcomed, the ;OL7HYRPZHUH[PVUHSHZZL[HUK already exist in more appropriate decision appears to have been based ^LOVWL[OH[ÔLU[OLSVJHSWSHU locations in Glasgow. We feel that on the economic benefits of national PZHKVW[LK[OL5H[PVUHS7HYR the tourism industry should be park status rather than any natural (\[OVYP[`^PSSHKVW[HYLZWVUZPISL promoting the attractions which or cultural heritage criteria. We hope HWWYVHJO[VIHSHUJPUN[OL makes the National Park unique - that the government will be clearer UH[PVUHSHUKSVJHSULLKZVM[OL enjoyment of its natural and cultural heritage. about its policy on national park HYLH As we go to press we are awaiting designations in the future. the outcome of the decision.

^^^SVJOSVTVUK[YVZZHJOZVYN\R 15

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 15 1/4/09 18:50:12 Walking3VJO3VTVUK The bracken path up Beinn Dubh The Luss Hills

In an excerpt from his new book ‘Walking in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs’, Ronald Turnbull takes a walk on the west side of Loch Lomond

he west side of Loch Munros. Anywhere else at all, even Keep ahead to a kissing gate, Lomond isn’t just for a three-Graham day is a remarkable and at once turn right over a stile Tlooking across at Ben tally. The Luss Grahams are a tough onto the base of Beinn Dubh. Go Lomond. The Luss Hills, though day, it’s true; but if you do end up up to a gate with a stile, where technically part of the Highlands, doing Beinn Dubh in the dark, the a wide track leads up through have a character of their own. path is good and Ben Lomond is a bracken. At about 300m the ridge Because they fail to reach even the fine sight by starlight. On this walk levels off and becomes boggy; the height of 2500ft (782m), walkers we’ll do just three. path is now more sketchy. The mostly ignore them. This is a Luss village car park is pricy for ridge continues upwards. A fence mistake. The Luss heights have an an all-day ticket (and who carries reaches the ridgeline: the path atmosphere all their own, made up £7 in coin anyway?) Lay-bys are runs up to left of it, then crosses of elegant ridgelines, easy going either side of the village on the A82. it by a stile. From the first Beinn underfoot, and deep winding A small pulloff is at the start of the Dubh, continue along the flat peaty hollows sprinkled with oak trees. Glen Luss road (NS356932) beside plateau, bending round left to The views are long, as well as a footpath signpost. Start at Luss reach the second and main Beinn of Loch Long, of both Lomond pier, which has a beautiful view Dubh (657m, named as Coire na and Lowlands; and they are as along the loch to Ben Lomond. h-Eanachan on Landranger maps). striking visually as they are in their Head into the village past rose- [As a footnote to the history of hill alliteration. covered cottages, then turn right lists, the 2000- to 2499-footers But for baggers of summits, towards the car park. Pass to left are named Grahams after Fiona Luss has one unique feature. Here of it, and cross the Luss link road Graham who allowed her list of a strong walker can achieve eight (former A82) into a short cul-de-sac such to be subsumed into a pre- Grahams (Scottish 2000-footers) in with an ancient signpost for Glen existing list compiled by Alan a day, without any interference from Luss. It ends at steps leading up to a Dawson. Among her stipulations higher Corbetts (2500-footers) and footbridge over the A82. were that the list be named after

16 The Voice Spring 2009

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 16 1/4/09 18:50:14 Walk-HJ[Z :[HY[ÄUPZO! 3\ZZ.95: +PZ[HUJL! RTTPSLZ (ZJLU[!TM[ (WWYV_[PTL! OY 4H_HS[P[\KL! +V\UL/PSST ;LYYHPU! NYHZZ`YPKNLZHUK OPSS[VWZ

her not him, and that Mid Hill be named in Gaelic not English. Normally a nameless hill subsumes the nearest bit of writing on the map, ‘Mid Hill’ being the shoulder to the southwest. Here, though, it borrowed Beinn Dubh from the more distant, but Gaelic, south- eastern outlier.] Descend the grassy ridge A small path descends southwest southwest to the slight rise of Beinn for 400 metres onto the shoulder Lochain. [Dedicated Graham- called Mid Hill. Here the ridge and baggers will now divert to take path turn left [For a shorter day in the featureless grass hump of just follow this ridge path down Cruach an t-Sidhein, the Fairies’ southeast to Glenmollochan farm] Stack. It’s easy enough to contour but turn off down to the right, back round from the Sidhein col to northwest, onto a lower spur. This the Eich col, but you miss some of steepens with a few peat hags to the pleasant ridge-walking.] Follow Walking Loch Lomond and the reach the broad valley col, with a the charming grass ridge, with path, Trossachs few scattered trees, between Beinn southeast, with the elegant cone of by Ronald Turnbull Dubh and Doune Hill. Beinn Eich rising ahead. The ridge Cicerone Press £12.95 Slant up to the right, to find a becomes still more shapely up to 3VUNV]LYK\LH[SHZ[HN\PKLIVVR[V shepherd’s path running up Doune Beinn Eich’s summit. OLSWL_WSVYL[OLT\S[P[\KLVMVW[PVUZ Hill’s eastern spur. [The odd The path continues down the VWLU[V^HSRLYZPU[OL5H[PVUHS7HYR little groove and crag formation, spur eastwards. At 400m the path :WSP[PU[V[OLMV\YHYLHZ[OPZL_JLSSLU[S` presumably a landslip, is named fades, but converging fences guide WYVK\JLKIVVRVMMLYZ]HYPLK YV\[LZYHUNPUNMYVTHZ[YVSS\W-HPY` ‘Sith Mor’ or the Big Fairy.] Once you down to a gateway and stile 2UVSSMYVT(ILYMV`SL[VHKH`SVUN above the bracken of the lowest directly above Edentaggart farm. L_WLKP[PVU\WPU[OL^PSKZVM*Y\HJO slope the path is no longer needed Slant slightly left, to a ladder stile (YKYHPU and disappears. Head up onto 200 metres to left of the farm. A ;OLYLHYLKL[HPSLKKLZJYPW[PVUZVM the north-eastern top (unnamed, path leads down to a stile onto the YV\[LZVU)LU3\PHUK[OL*VIISLYHZ 701m). A path leads down into a access track below the farm. ^LSSHZ[OLSVUNKPZ[HUJLYV\[LZHUK col, and up to the trig point on Turn left down the track, which \ZLM\SIHJRNYV\UKPUMVYTH[PVU;OPZ Doune Hill. at the next stream becomes a tarred N\PKLZOV\SKILHULZZLU[PHSHKKP[PVU [VHUÌVK`»ZIVVRZOLSMÔV^HU[Z[V Various MoD structures in lane. (Don’t park at this point, KPZJV]LYTVYLHIV\[ÔLYL[V^HSRPU the hollow to the northwest are which is a turning area: there are a [OL5H[PVUHS7HYR unmarked on maps. The UK’s nuclear couple of small parking points above Friends members can get 10% off the submarines are based at Faslane on the Glenmollochan farm.) Follow the price of the guide by ordering online at Gare Loch, a few miles away. lane out for 3km to Luss village. V www.cicerone.co.uk and entering the promotion code FRIENDLT at the checkout. ^^^SVJOSVTVUK[YVZZHJOZVYN\R 17

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 17 1/4/09 18:50:17 Cowal Open Studios 25th-28th September

HZ[`LHY»Z*V^HS6WLU :[\KPVZ^HZH]LYP[HISL[YLH[ LMVY[OLL`LZ;OPZ`LHY»ZL]LU[ WYVTPZLZ[VHKKYLZZ[OLV[OLY ZLUZLZHZ^LSS^P[OL_OPIP[PVUZ ºOHUKZVU»^VYRZOVWZHUKH JVUJLY[ »Z6WLU:[\KPV L]LU[^PSS[HRLWSHJLMYVT[O [V [O:LW[LTILYHJYVZZ[OL Spotlight on Cowal *V^HS7LUPUZ\SHPU(YN`SS;OPZ Z[PT\SH[PUNHUK]PIYHU[HUU\HS The Cowal peninsula stretches northwards into the National Park ^LLRLUKL]LU[VMMLYZMYLLHJJLZZ and has plenty going on as The Voice discovers [VH^PKL]HYPL[`VMHY[PZ[Z»Z[\KPVZ owalfest can be compared to a heartening autumn stew, [OYV\NOV\[[OL*V^HSHYLH =PZP[VYZ^PSSILHISL[VZLLHYHUNL full of wholesome, fresh ingredients, reinvigorating, VM[YHKP[PVUHSHUKJVU[LTWVYHY` satisfying and providing a sense of pleasurable wellbeing. C HY[^VYRPUHKP]LYZP[`VMTH[LYPHSZ To the basic ingredient of wonderful walking we add other special HUK[LJOUPX\LZPUJS\KPUNKYH^PUN elements that enhance the ﬂavour, giving diversity and a soupçon WHPU[PUNWOV[VNYHWO`ZJ\SW[\YL of spice. [L_[PSLZJLYHTPJZNSHZZHUKZPS]LY Cowalfest was initiated seven years ago by a group of people ^VYR0UHKKP[PVUYLZPKLU[ZHUK who recognised that the Cowal Peninsula’s stunning scenery ]PZP[VYZ^PSSOH]L\UPX\LHJJLZZ and potential for outdoor activities, its fascinating if sometimes [V^VYRPUNHY[PZ[Z»Z[\KPVZHUKH treacherous and bloody history and its charming villages, YHYLVWWVY[\UP[`[V[HSR[VHY[PZ[Z should be attracting more visitors. This coincided with Forestry HIV\[[OLPYPKLHZPUZWPYH[PVU HUK[LJOUPX\LZ0[^PSSHSZVHSSV^ Commission Scotland undertaking signiﬁcant upgrading of WLVWSL[VI\`HUVYPNPUHS^VYR paths, including links to make better walking routes. So the VMHY[KPYLJ[S`MYVT[OLHY[PZ[^P[O

Cowalfest 2009Cowalfest festival was born. TVYLHWWYLJPH[PVUVMP[ZHY[PZ[PJ Run by volunteers, each Cowalfest has been designed with a WYVK\J[PVU mixture of forethought and research, a concentrated infusion of ;OLYLPZH^LHS[OVM]HYPLKHUK opportunism and masses of very hard work. That has been our L_JP[PUNHY[PZ[Z^VYRPUNPU[OL\UPX\L recipe for success, our opportunism and flexibility of attitude LU]PYVUTLU[VM[OL*V^HS(Y[PZ[Z guiding us through challenges and difficulties to produce an event. The festival committee work tirelessly throughout the year to make ten days in October memorable. Our walk leaders, over forty dedicated people who turn out irrespective of the vagaries of Cowal’s autumn weather, give local people and visitors a very personal experience of the landscape they walk through. They make each walk, irrespective of length or grade, a truly unique experience. Over the years, a large number of people have offered events, whether mountain biking, horse riding, drama, arts, music, exhibitions or talks. We have grasped the opportunity of new input with gratitude. We’ve also been lucky having a historic legacy that proffers a myriad of fascinating stories to draw on. Castles and great houses,

18 The Voice Spring 2009

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 18 1/4/09 18:50:19 TLL[(UUL-LYN\ZVUHUKZLL OLYILH\[PM\SZ[HPULKNSHZZ^VYRZ ;OL*V^HSWLUPUZ\SHPZÄSSLK ^P[OHTHaPUNHY[PZ[ZHUKJYHM[Z MVSR^VYRPUNPUTHNPJHSSVJH[PVUZ HUKWYVK\JPUN[Y\S`PUZWPYH[PVUHS ^VYR:WVPS`V\YZLSM^P[OHÔVSL ^LLRLUKVMPU[YPN\PUNSVJH[PVUZ ^VUKLYM\SOVZWP[HSP[`MHU[HZ[PJ ZJLULY`HUKNYLH[HY[ ;OLL]LU[^PSSILSH\UJOLK^P[O HZWLJPHSL_OPIP[PVUVM^VYRZMYVT HSS[OLWHY[PJPWHU[ZH[[OL*YLNNHUZ /V[LSVU[OLZOVYLZVM3VJO-ÙL ;OPZL_JP[PUNL_OPIP[PVU^PSSOLYHSK [OLL]LU[VM[OLMVSSV^PUN^LLRLUK HUKTHU`VM[OLHY[PZ[Z^PSSIL PUH[[LUKHUJL;OPZMYLLL]LU[ Z\JOHZJLYHTPJPZ[)PSS>PSSPHTZVU ^PSSHSSV^[OLW\ISPJ[VWSHU[OLPY HUU\HS(Y[PZ[+PYLJ[VY`ÔPJO ÔVZL^VYRPUJS\KLZKLSPNO[M\SS` ]PZP[ZMVY[OLMVSSV^PUN^LLRLUK KPZWSH`Z[OLSVJH[PVUZHUKKL[HPSZVM X\PYR`ZJ\SW[\YLZPUZ[VUL^HYLHUK ÔPSZ[WPJRPUN\W[OLPYJVW`VM[OL HSSPU]VS]LK;OPZILH\[PM\SKPYLJ[VY` YHR\ÄYLK[OYVÛWV[Z;OLYLHYL ZWLJPHSS`KLZPNULKHUKPSS\Z[YH[LK ^PSSHSZVILH]HPSHISL[OYV\NOV\[ `V\UNHY[PZ[ZSPRL(T`5L]PSSL [OLMVSSV^PUN`LHY;OPZ`LHY»Z HYLJLU[NYHK\H[LVM.SHZNV^ ^LLRLUK^PSSPUJS\KL^VYRZOVWZ :JOVVSVM(Y[ÔV^VYRHJYVZZ PUIH[PRWHWLYTHRPUNMLS[PUN ZL]LYHSTLKPHUH[\YLPZ\ZLK WHPU[PUNHUKZJ\SW[\YLHZ^LSS KPYLJ[S`PU(T`»Z\UPX\LHY[ HZHZPUNPUN^VYRZOVW^P[O SLH]LZÅV^LYZHUKZOLSSZ º4\SKVVU»Z7PJUPJ»HUKHJVUJLY[ MYVT(YN`SSHYL[OLPUZWPYH[PVUHS H[:[YHJO\Y4LTVYPHS/HSS LSLTLU[ZHUKYLHSJVTWVULU[Z VYNHUPZLKI`[OL3VJONVPSOLHK VMOLY^VYRTHRPUNZ[\UUPUN -PKKSL>VYRZOVW0[ZOV\SKWYV]L HUKKPZ[PUJ[P]LWPLJLZ6Y[YLH[ [VILH^LLRLUK[VYLTLTILY `V\YZLSM[VH]PZP[[V[OLMHI\SV\Z /PKKLU:[\KPVZVMWHPU[LYZ+VU For further details and updates 4J5LPSHUK1LHU)LSSKLSPNO[M\SS` VU[OL^LLRLUK»ZL]LU[Z]PZP[ ZP[\H[LKVU[OLZOVYLZVM3VJO www.cowalopenstudios.co.uk -ÙLVY[OLLUJOHU[PUN*OHWLS call 01369 860099 or email PU.SLUKHY\LSÔLYL`V\JHU [email protected]

some of them now little more than heaps of stones, considerable Japanese influence on the west. Alexander nevertheless breathe tales of a rich and colourful past Reid was extremely influential in the art world; Vincent that adds intrigue and distinctiveness to Cowal’s walking Van Gogh’s only British subject, a Glasgow art dealer experience. who was friendly with the artist, worked alongside his Cowalfest 2009 is special - a Homecoming partner brother Theo, lodged with them both, and who later event and also a Japan-UK 150 event in a year of lived for twenty years in Dunoon. celebrations marking the signing 150 years ago of a Sushi and Shortbread will explore cultural cuisine, treaty of friendship and trade between the two countries, a haiku event will feature a Scottish poet, plus a talk on signalling the end of Japan’s 300 years of isolation. a Scot who gave the Japanese modern sanitation whilst Alexander Reid and the Japanese Influence – Art, recording them for posterity in his wonderful early ships and plants will be an irresistible, multi-faceted photographs. V exhibition highlighting the significant Scottish Cowalfest 2009 takes place between 9-18 October. For contribution to the industrialisation of Japan and the more information visit www.cowalfest.org

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6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 19 1/4/09 18:50:22 Long Traditions: 10,000 Years at the Carrick, Midross, Loch Lomond 6\YN\LZ[ZWLHRLY study of artefacts, the processing of samples and obtaining radiocarbon H[[OPZ`LHY»Z(.4PZ dates. The results of this analysis Gavin MacGregorHU are currently being written up as HYJOHLVSVNPZ[MYVT part of a forthcoming monograph but it is possible to highlight some .SHZNV^

20 The Voice Spring 2009

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 20 1/4/09 18:50:23 volunteerVWWVY[\UP[` Marshals wanted to raise funds for Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs ;OL*HSLKVUPHU*OHSSLUNLYLSPLZ \WVU]VS\U[LLYZ[VOLSWTHYZOHS WHY[PJPWHU[ZHUKZLL[OH[[OLL]LU[ Y\UZZTVV[OS`0UYL[\YU]VS\U[LLYZ YLJLP]LHKVUH[PVU[V[OL JOHYP[`VM[OLPYJOVPJL-YPLUKZVM 3VJO3VTVUK ;OL;YVZZHJOZ PZWSHUUPUN[VOH]LH[LHTVM THYZOHSZ[VOLSW^P[O[OLL]LU[PU HUKYHPZLMVYV\Y^VYR 0M`V\^HU[[VILPU]VS]LKPU[OPZ L_JP[PUNVWWVY[\UP[`HUKOLSWYHPZL TVUL`[VWYV[LJ[[OL5H[PVUHS7HYR [OLU^L»KSPRL[VOLHYMYVT`V\;OL L]LU[[HRLZWSHJLVU1\UL [OHUKTHYZOHSZHYLULLKLKH[ [OLÄUPZOH[(\JOLY[`YL ([[OPZZ[HNL^LQ\Z[^HU[L_WYLZ ZPVUZVMPU[LYLZ[MYVT[OVZLRLLU [V[HRLWHY[>LJHU[OLUNP]L`V\ for its Natural Heritage, with TVYLPUMVYTH[PVUHIV\[ÔH[»ZPU nationally and internationally ]VS]LKHUK`V\JHUTHRL`V\YTPUK \WÔL[OLY`V\^V\SKSPRL[V[HRL important animals, plants and WHY[0U`V\HYLPU[LYLZ[LKLTHPS`V\Y geology. The results of excavations UHTLHUKHKKYLZZ[VPUMV'SVJOSVT Photos: The excavations site at at the Carrick are a useful reminder VUK[YVZZHJOZVYN\RWOVUL Midross (left). A whetstone recovered of the importance of cultural VY^YP[L[V\ZH[[OLHKKYLZZ from the site (above) VUWHNL heritage in the National Park. V AGM kicks off season of Friends’ events This years’ AGM takes place at to know a little bit more about us. of guided walks starting and Ross Priory on Thursday 11 May. Throughout the summer we are finishing at stations on the West Following the business meeting we running Know Your National Park Highland Railway. We are hoping welcome Gavin MacGregor from days. These are specially organised to run these events to encourage Glasow University who will give full day tours to the four areas of people to come to the National a talk about the findings from the the National Park exploring sites of Park by public transport. These archaeological excavations carried natural and cultural heritage and walks will be open to the public, out at Midross on Loch Lomond. discovering what are the key issues but will be available to Friends This is the first in a new which the landscape and local members’ at a reduced rate and will programme of events we are communities face. We hope to be be free to those who travel by train. planning over the summer as part joined by experts on the day and To attend any event please use of our services to member. We each tour will include a short walk the booking form included with would like members to get more and a lunch stop to enjoy local food this issue of The Voice. To keep involved in the Friends and hope and drink. Places are limited, so up to date with events during that these events are one way for book early if you want to join. the summer sign up for our e- people to visit the National Park During the summer holidays we newsletter or visit www.lochlomond more, meet other members and get are also hoping to run a programme trossachs.org.uk regularly. ^^^SVJOSVTVUK[YVZZHJOZVYN\R 21

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 21 1/4/09 18:50:24 2PUN(Y[O\YHUK3VJO3VTVUK - +PK[OLSLNLUKHY`RPUNYLHSS`ÄNO[VUP[ZZOVYLZHZRZ1PT4HJKVUHSK

There can be no England but at Camelon near that same century, King Arthur doubt that such a Falkirk. This is probably the result based himself and his armies at charismatic figure of the similarity of names between Dumbarton while he waged war to existed during the Camelot and Camelon but, there drive the heathen Scots and Picts 6th century AD again, there is no proof these were from what was then The kingdom and various poets anything other than coincidence of Strathclyde and also areas further and historians have and to use the name of Arthur’s east. At that time, Strathclyde provided plausible evidence of Seat in Edinburgh as evidence that was ruled by King of the Britons, the great knight’s activities. However, Arthur was established nearby is Riderch Hael of Norse descent but it is fact that many different areas misguided. it is not clear if Arthur did depose of the present U.K. have laid claim A further claim which attempts him in 508 AD or was it another to his prowess on their patch and to confirm Arthur’s Scottish chief known as Huail of Hoel. this has given rise to conflicting and background, states that Lady There is no evidence that Arthur sometimes fanciful local tales, not the Guinevere came from Perth. That reigned over Strathclyde from 508 least of which are stories of his land there are truly many bonny lasses in to 542 AD. and “sea” battles in the Loch Lomond that Fair City cannot be disputed In any case, there was no castle area and elsewhere in Scotland. but nobody has been able to prove at that time and only fortified This tale results from the that Arthur’s bride was from that earthworks near the rock have been acceptance that the Celts spread area even though it has been said found. The castle was not built north from Brittany through that her father, the Laird of Mellin, until much later and only then did Cornwall, Wales and Ireland and required him to prove his worth by it become a sometime residence of eventually north to Scotland where swimming across Loch Linnie in various Scottish kings including it is said that King Arthur lead the December – a long way from Perth! Robert the Bruce and others. drive to remove, first the Saxons Similarly the report that the Nevertheless, King Arthur was and then the Scots and Picts from sword of Excalibur was drawn from said to have fought battles on Loch an area at least as far North as the Lochmaben Stone is surely Lomondside at Glen Douglas and Strathclyde and also in what is now nonsense since that single standing other sites but if any really did Stirling and Perthshire. stone in Dumfries & Galloway is a occur near the Loch, it is more Many of these stories appear to Druidic remain dated back to 3500 probable they were against Scots have some facts to support them but BC and Excalibur was always said and not Picts who were more active most are unsubstantiated. Welsh to have come from the water while further east. In fact, of the total of poets may have been the first to another, drawn from a stone, is 13 battles listed in the 9th century claim that Arthur was a Celtic King unnamed. Historia Brittonum by Nennius, who freed the Welsh population Arguments are made by various none are identified as being fought from Saxon tyranny, but the most areas who claim that Arthur was in Scotland by King Arthur. apparently complete background a King and was born there. The This makes it even more to the Knight’s life and legends was most likely is that he was from improbable that “sea” battles were written by Geoffrey of Monmouth Cornwall as evidence from a slate fought on Loch Lomond where in his imaginative and fanciful tablet recovered from the ruins of Arthur was said to have viewed the “History of the Kings of Britain” Tintagel castle appears to confirm proceedings from “Mount Misery” some three hundred years after that Arthur, or more correctly the 175m peak of Whinney Hill Arthur’s reported death at the battle “Arthnou” which was the earlier above the south shore of Loch of Camlann in 537. form of Arthur, had built that castle Lomond. That seems about as likely That name gives rise to the claim in the 6th century. as Boadicea hurtling north in her that the battle was not in western Then we are told that in chariot up the M74! V

22 The Voice Spring 2009

6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 22 1/4/09 18:50:24 The Last Word Loch Arklet

:LLPUN[OL When one thinks of Scotland what The fact remains that we have been immediately springs to the minds of unable to establish how altering and ^VVKMVY most people? High on the list must be removing protected habitats containing our magnificent scenery: mountain, rare species will increase biodiversity. moorland, heather and lochs with the Suggestions that a need will be met for [OL[YLLZ chance to see an eagle soaring above. a missing ‘wildlife corridor’ also appear Here in Glen Arklet, that is exactly what without substance, since an alternative we have. One would think that Loch route linking the Trossachs to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Lomond already exists. Park (“the Park”) would be striving The local community has highlighted to protect such an iconic landscape, many environmental and landscape and indeed in the 2007 Park Plan issues that the Park has failed to identify 7SHUZ[VJOHUNL conservation of this specific area was and consider. The 2006 European given high priority for those very reasons. Landscape Convention “undertakes VULVM[OL However in a complete turnaround the to recognise landscapes in law as 5H[PVUHS7HYR»Z Park is now supporting plans by Forestry an essential component of people’s PJVUPJ]PL^Z Commission Scotland (FCS) to create a surroundings, an expression of the HYLÅH^LKZH`Z new native woodland here. diversity of their shared cultural and We are not opposed to the planting natural heritage, and a foundation of Margaret Neufeld of native trees and have not objected to their identity”. Environmental legislation the expansion of the native woodland at too requires ‘human habitat’ to be a nearby Loch Katrine, nor indeed to the key consideration, but the views of local Great Trossachs Forest concept which people and many visitors to the area underpins that. However, based on have been ignored. Surely it is the job geological and other scientific evidence, of the statutory consultees like the Park the creation of a new forest in Glen to produce impartial assessments of the Arklet would not be a forest restoration impact such a large project will have and project but landscape and habitat change not to allow a ‘concept’ to override full over a wide area. How can this have and proper consideration? been adopted as Park policy without We assume that the Park values this proper consideration and in breach of the particular landscape since the view across Park Plan and Principles? Glen Arklet to the Arrochar Alps is The suggestion is that this will featured above its “Guiding Principles” increase biodiversity. We, the tiny on pages 12 and 13 of the latest Park communities of Inversnaid and Plan. But what is the point of having Stronachlachar, have been trying for a National Park if large development the last 15 months to find out just what proposals receive less scrutiny and If you have a view on work was done to back up this sweeping democratic consideration than under the a subject which you statement, but no evidence at all has previous system. V would like included been presented to show that adequate as a Last Word send More information on the community’s examination was given by the Park to it to the editor at the campaign can be found at www.locharklet the weighty (but flawed) Environmental address on page 3 view.org.uk Impact Assessment prepared by FCS.

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6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 23 1/4/09 18:50:27 The Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs needs you!

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MVYvolunteers[VOLSW^P[OTHU`HZWLJ[ZVMY\UUPUN[OLZVJPL[`>LHYLSVVRPUNMVY ZWLJPÄJ]VS\U[LLYZPUHYLHZZ\JOHZ! OLSWPUN^P[OHKTPUPZ[YH[PVUPUV\YVMÄJLPU/LSLUZI\YNO LKP[PUNHUKWYVK\JPUNThe Voice KPZ[YPI\[PUNV\YSLHÅL[ZHUKTHNHaPULZ ZOHYPUNL_WLY[PZLPUHYLHZYLSL]HU[[V[OL-YPLUKZSPRLWSHUUPUN[V\YPZTHUKSHUKTHUHNLTLU[

>LHYLHSZVSVVRPUNMVYtrustees [VQVPUV\Y,_LJ\[P]L*VTTP[[LL0M`V\OH]LHWHY[PJ\SHY RUV^SLKNLYLSL]HU[[V3VJO3VTVUK ;OL;YVZZHJOZ5H[PVUHS7HYRVYL_WLYPLUJLVM^VYRPUN^P[O JOHYP[PLZHUK^V\SKSPRL[VILPU]VS]LKPU[OPZL_JP[PUNWOHZLVMKL]LSVWTLU[MVY\Z[OLU^L»KSV]L[V OLHYMYVT`V\>LHYLWHY[PJ\SHYS`SVVRPUNMVYWLVWSL^P[OI\ZPULZZJOHYP[`HUKÄUHUJPHSL_WLYPLUJL VYL_WLYPLUJLVM^VYRPUNPU[OL5H[PVUHS7HYR(Z^LSSHZ[Y\Z[LLZ^LHYLRLLU[VKL]LSVWHYVSLMVY HK]PZVYZ[V[OLJOHYP[`^OV^OPSLUV[OH]PUN[OLYLZWVUZPIPSP[PLZVM[Y\Z[LLZ^LJHUJHSS\WVUMVY [OLPYZWLJPÄJRUV^SLKNLPUHNP]LUHYLH

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6134 Spring Voice AMEND.indd 24 1/4/09 18:50:28