National Park Partnership Plan Plana Com-pàirteachaidh na Pàirce Nàiseanta 2018 | 2023 Contents
Foreword 2 Introduction 4 What is the National Park Partnership Plan? 5 Our long term vision 6 Challenges & opportunities 9 Delivering for Scotland 10 Delivering national benefits 12 What success looks like 14
Conservation & Land Management 16
Outcome 1: Natural Capital 22 Priority 1.1: Habitats 24 Priority 1.2: Species 26
Outcome 2: Landscape Qualities 28 Priority 2.1: Landscape & Heritage 30
Outcome 3: Climate Change 32 Priority 3.1: Climate Change 34
Outcome 4: Land Partnerships 36 Priority 4.1: Integrated Land Management 39
Contents Visitor Experience 42 Rural Development 68
Outcome 5: Recreation Opportunities 48 Outcome 10: Placemaking 74 Priority 5.1: Path Provision 49 Priority 10.1: Improving Towns & Villages 75 Priority 5.2: Path Maintenance 49 Priority 10.2: Built Heritage 77 Priority 5.3: Active Travel 50 Priority 10.3: Improved Resilience 77
Outcome 6: Water Recreation 52 Outcome 11: Sustainable Growth 78 Priority 6.1: Water Facilities 55 Priority 11.1: Low Carbon Economy 80 Priority 6.2: Waterbus Network 55 Priority 11.2: Rural Diversification 80 Priority 6.3: Water Recreation 55 Priority 11.3: Infrastructure for Business Growth 81 Outcome 7: Visitor Economy 56 Priority 11.4: Broadband & Mobile Coverage 81 Priority 7.1: Growing Tourism Markets 59 Outcome 12: Sustainable Population Priority 7.2: Information & Connectivity 59 82 Priority 12.1: Skills & Training 84 Outcome 8: Visitor Management 60 Priority 12.2: Affordable Housing 84 Priority 8.1: Visitor Management 62 Priority 12.3: Local Services 85 Priority 8.2: Public Transport 62 Outcome 13: Community Empowerment 86 Outcome 9: Health & Learning 64 Priority 13.1: Supporting Capacity Priority 9.1: Health Improvement 66 of Community Organisations 87 Priority 9.2: Engagement & Learning 66 Priority 13.2: Supporting Community-led Action 88 Priority 13.3: Supporting Partnership Working 88
Outcomes & priorities - at a glance 90 Indicators of success 92 Glossary 94 Mapping & data source acknowledgements 95 Map of the National Park 97
1 Facal-toisich ’S e àite fìor shònraichte a th’ ann am Pàirc Nàiseanta Loch Laomainn is nan Tròisichean. Le a cruthan-tìre àlainn, a beartas nàdarra, a cothroman air leth airson cur-seachadan agus a coimhearsnachdan is dualchas beòthail, ’s e deagh stòras airson Alba a th’ innte.
Cho math ri bhith a’ tarraing ceithir Tha Plana Com-pàirteachaidh na Pàirce Cuideachaidh dòighean-obrach aonaichte millean neach-tadhail gach bliadhna a tha Nàiseanta airson 2018-2023 a’ cur an a thaobh stiùireadh fearainn gus an fhiadh- a’ toirt togail mòr do dh’eaconamaidh na cèill lèirsinn àrd-amasach airson a bhith a’ bheatha is na h-eag-shiostam air leth a turasachd, tha buannachdan farsaing aig a’ leudachadh bhuannachdan àrainneachdail, dhìon is a leasachadh, agus gus a bhith a’ Phàirc Nàiseanta – chan ann a-mhàin airson sòisealta agus eaconamach na Pàirce dèanamh deagh fheum de stòrasan nàdarra na sgìre fhèin ach airson na dùthcha air fad. thairis air an ath chòig bliadhna. na Pàirce. Tha iad seo a’ gabhail a-steach a Gus seo a thoirt gu buil, bidh feum air ’S e fìor dheagh àm airson na Pàirce bhith a’ cur an aghaidh na buaidh aig co-obrachadh eadar farsaingeachd de Nàiseanta a tha seo agus tha am Plana atharrachadh clìomaid tro bhith ag ath- bhuidhnean, coimhearsnachdan agus a’ sealltainn nan àrd-amasan a th’ aig stèidheachadh tòrr choilltean is bhlàr- gnìomhachasan le Ùghdarras na Pàirce Ùghdarras na Pàirce agus a chom- mòna, a’ cruthachadh choimhearsnachdan Nàiseanta aig an stiùir. Tha fios gum bi pàirtichean còmhla airson an àite seasmhach tro thaigheadas air prìsean dùbhlain romhainn ach togaidh am Plana shuaicheanta seo. reusanta agus a bhith a’ cruthachadh obair seo air na coileanaidhean susbainteach is trèanadh airson òigridh. Tha a’ Phàirc anns a’ Phlana Com-pàirteachaidh mu cuideachd a’ cruthachadh chothroman gus dheireadh airson na Pàirce Nàiseanta airson cur ris an t-sunnd agus slàinte aig daoine de 2012-17 ann a bhith a’ togail càileachd gach seòrsa tro chur-seachadan is a bhith tursan an luchd-turais, a’ toirt cumhachd a’ gabhail tlachd às a’ bhlàr a-muigh. do choimhearsnachdan gus na guthan Roseanna Choineagan BPA aca a thogail mu na bhios a’ tachairt do na Rùnaire Caibineit airson na h-Àrainneachd, bailtean mòra is beaga aca san àm ri teachd. Atharrachadh na Gnàth-shìde agus Ath-leasachadh Fearainn
2 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Foreword
Foreword Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a truly special place. With its wonderful landscapes, rich natural resources, vast opportunities for recreation, and its vibrant communities and heritage, it is a fantastic asset for Scotland.
As well as attracting four million visitors This will require collaboration between a a year and the huge boost this provides wide range of organisations, communities to the visitor economy, the benefits the and businesses, with the National Park National Park can offer are far reaching - Authority leading the way. There are not just for the area itself, but for the no doubt challenges to tackle but this Plan whole country. will build on the significant achievements of the previous National Park Partnership These include helping to tackle the Plan 2012-2017 in raising the quality of impacts of climate change through the visitor experience and empowering extensive peatland and woodland communities to have a say in the future restoration, creating sustainable of their towns and villages. Integrated communities through affordable housing approaches to land management will also and the creation of employment and help to protect and enhance the unique training for young people. The Park also wildlife and ecosystems and harness the provides opportunities to help improve Park’s natural capital. the health and wellbeing of people from all backgrounds through recreation and It is an exciting time for the National Park enjoyment of the great outdoors. and this Plan embodies the ambition the Park Authority and its partners share for The National Park Partnership Plan this iconic place. 2018-2023 sets out an ambitious vision for further widening the environmental, social and economic Roseanna Cunningham MSP benefits of the Park over the next Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, five years. Climate Change and Land Reform
3 Introduction
4 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023
What is the Introduction
What is the National Park Partnership Plan? National Park Partnership Plan?
The National Park Partnership Plan guides This Plan is the overarching vision the work of not just the National Park Authority but of all the organisations and to guide how all those with a role in other partners involved in managing the area looking after the National Park will and making the overarching vision a reality. The Plan sets out how we will work work together over the next five years together to tackle key issues within the National Park and to widen the many social, to ensure a successful, sustainable environmental, cultural and economic future for this iconic place. benefits it offers. A National Park Partnership Plan is required under the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 with the purpose of ensuring the collective and co-ordinated achievement of the statutory aims of National Parks. It also shows how the National Park will contribute to the achievement of national outcomes set by the Scottish Government.
5 Our long term vision
We want the National Park to Water vole © Laurie Campbell be an internationally-renowned landscape where...
Conservation & Land Management Nature, heritage and land are valuable assets, managed and enhanced to provide multiple benefits for all.
6 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Excellent food and drink on offer
Visitor Experience Introduction
There is a high quality, authentic Our long experience for people from all term vision backgrounds. There are many opportunities to enjoy recreation activities and appreciate the area’s outstanding natural and cultural heritage within an internationally- renowned landscape.
Kayaking on Loch Long
Rural Development Businesses and communities thrive and people live and work sustainably in a high quality environment.
7 Paddleboarding on Loch Lubnaig
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Challenges & opportunities Introduction
It will require a balanced approach and ›› Pressure on available resources to Challenges & To secure a thriving, beautiful opportunities involve a wide range of partners to ensure invest across all communities and National Park for the future we that the special qualities making the landscapes. must strike a balance between National Park such an internationally ›› Getting more people to experience important place are protected and the health and wellbeing benefits of all of the conservation, visitor enhanced, whilst at the same time making connecting with nature and being active the most of the many benefits the National in the outdoors. experience and rural development Park has to offer for people, communities ›› Building capacity in local communities and the economy objectives of the Park. to support their development. Some of the key challenges facing This is a complex task… the National Park include: We will also need to take into account and adapt to the potential impacts of any ›› Protecting and enhancing natural changes on the national and international resources for future generations. political landscape. ›› Conserving and enhancing the area’s Each of these challenges also presents special landscape. an opportunity and we are confident that ›› Facilitating better integrated by coordinating our efforts through this management of land and water to ambitious plan we can successfully deliver provide wider benefits for people and on these issues. nature. ›› Attracting and retaining more skilled Measuring Success working age and young people. By 2023 we want to be able to clearly demonstrate that the National Park ›› Encouraging people of all abilities and Authority and its partners have backgrounds to enjoy the outdoors. worked together to make a difference. ›› Supporting a thriving visitor economy. To do this a series of targets and ›› Addressing and mitigating the impacts indicators have been set out in of climate change. each chapter. These will be regularly ›› Investing in towns and villages’ built and reviewed throughout the period of historic environment, public spaces and the plan to ensure that we are on infrastructure. track to achieve our outcomes.
9 Delivering for Scotland Why we have National Parks? Scotland has two National Parks, Loch As well as addressing the issues and opportunities within Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and Cairngorms National Park. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the National Park Scotland’s National Parks share four Partnership Plan also sets out how we will address national aims set out by the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000: priorities and achieve benefits for Scotland beyond the ›› To conserve and enhance the natural National Park boundaries. and cultural heritage of the area ›› To promote sustainable use of the By leading successful partnerships, our National Parks contribute National Parks bring clarity of focus in natural resources of the area significantly to the Scottish Government’s Purpose: addressing a range of interrelated rural ›› To promote understanding and issues at a regional and local scale ensuring enjoyment (including enjoyment in better co-ordinated delivery and best the form of recreation) of the special “To focus government and public use of limited public resources. This also qualities of the area by the public services on creating a more successful makes our National Parks a perfect place ›› To promote sustainable economic country, with opportunities for all of to innovate and develop new solutions. and social development of the area’s Scotland to flourish, through increasing This Plan provides the unified approach communities that can: sustainable economic growth” These aims are to be pursued ›› Manage and improve the condition of our collectively. However, if there is conflict natural assets on a landscape scale between the first aim and any of the others then greater weight must be ›› Promote, test and implement innovative given to the first aim (section 9.6 of the solutions to rural issues National Parks (Scotland) Act). ›› Widen the range of benefits that the National Park’s outstanding environment National Park Authorities are dedicated can provide to Scotland’s people and its to delivering for the people of Scotland. visitors We strive to make a difference and we firmly believe we’re better able to do that by working together. We take a partnership approach to making things happen and we’re proud of the results we deliver, together, for this very special part of Scotland.
10 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023
Introduction
Delivering for Scotland
Learning about nature on Conic Hill
11 Delivering national benefits
Throughout this plan you will see how here in the National Park we aim to address some key issues, not just for the benefit of the National Park itself but for Scotland as a whole. These are the national Sustainable Climate Change Valuing Nature Economic Growth and Reversing priorities that this Plan Woodland expansion, peatland Our National Parks’ growing restoration and active travel Biodiversity Loss in National Parks deliver contributes to. international reputation as Covering around 9% of climate change mitigation. ‘must visit’ destinations can Scotland, including some of Our integrated approach to contribute significantly to the most important areas land use planning can also help sustainable economic growth for rare and threatened deliver significant adaptation in rural Scotland, supporting species, Scotland’s National and resilience for communities business growth, attracting Parks deliver landscape scale within National Parks and investment and providing more conservation. Large scale in surrounding lower river jobs and training opportunities, habitat enhancement together catchments. especially for young people. with priority species action in National Parks makes a significant contribution to meeting Scotland’s 2020 Biodiversity Challenge.
12 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023
Introduction
Delivering National Benefits
Natural Capital A Park for All Community Health & Wellbeing Scotland’s National Parks Scotland’s National Parks are for Empowerment National Parks can enable exemplify the connections everyone to enjoy, whether they Building on the strong people to improve their health between nature, our economy call Scotland home or visit from foundation and legacy and wellbeing by getting active and our quality of life. With over around the world. People of all of community capacity and connecting with nature. six million visitors each year, ages, abilities and backgrounds building and action planning, The growing network of our National Parks are national should have the opportunity to communities in our National recreation routes and assets that protect and enhance experience these landscapes Parks are increasingly taking the opportunities within Loch the natural capital underpinning and take advantage of the many lead in local development and Lomond & The Trossachs, and tourism, land-based businesses important benefits they provide. regeneration. There is growing its close proximity to Scotland’s and our rural communities. potential and opportunity urban population, offers Covering the upper catchments for communities to provide significant scope to work with of some of Scotland’s major services, manage assets and the health sector and increase rivers, our National Parks are deliver projects. participation in outdoor activity key places to connect the value to support better health of land management with wider outcomes. community and economic benefits.
13 What success looks like
The Park’s natural resources are People from a range of backgrounds enhanced for future generations benefit from connecting with nature
More people of different abilities There are more opportunities for All visitors to the National Park feel and interests are enjoying the people to enjoy and experience they have a high quality experience outdoors special landscapes
There are more Visitor pressures are being opportunities sustainably managed to safely enjoy water activities
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Introduction
What success looks like
The natural environment is better Landscape-scale partnerships Communities are better managed to tackle the effects are delivering more integrated empowered to influence and of climate change land management lead decisions that affect them
Businesses are working better Businesses are growing and diversifying There is improved investment together to create a thriving to ensure a more in our towns and villages visitor economy sustainable future
More skilled, working age There is a wider range of and young people live and housing options available work in the National Park within the National Park
15 Conservation & Land Management
16 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Conservation & Land Management
Our vision Our Vision Nature, heritage and land are valuable assets, managed and enhanced to provide multiple benefits for all.
17 However, the natural environment of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Park faces significant threats including: is home to some of the most iconic wildlife and ›› Impacts on freshwater and marine water bodies from problems such as pollution landscapes in Scotland and draws visitors from from surrounding land uses. ›› Unsustainable levels of wild and across the globe. domesticated grazing animals in some upland and woodland areas, leading to Its famous lochs, forests, mountains and heritage reduced tree cover and the erosion of soils, which are important carbon stores. are an historic part of the Scottish culture and make ›› The spread of invasive non-native species which displace our rich a huge contribution to the country, being a haven native wildlife. ›› The impacts of climate change leading for nature and the benefits that come from it. to warmer, wetter weather patterns and Across the Park, 67 sites are designated for their a subsequent increase in flood events, major landslides and rapid shifts in natural special nature conservation value. ecosystems.
Our aim is to work towards overcoming these threats and achieving a vision of improving ecosystems, in order to create a more sustainable long term future for both people and nature.
18 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Conservation & Land Management
Our Vision
Looking west over Loch Ard
19 What we want to achieve
Achieving these outcomes will help to Outcome 1: Outcome 2: deliver the following national strategies: ›› Scotland’s 2020 Biodiversity Natural Capital Landscape Qualities Challenge ›› Land Use Strategy The Park’s natural resources are The Park’s special landscape ›› Scottish Forestry Strategy enhanced for future generations: qualities and sense of place are ›› River Basin Management Plan important habitats are restored conserved and enhanced with ›› Flood Risk Management Strategy and better connected on a more opportunities to enjoy ›› Scotland’s Wild Deer: landscape scale. and experience them. A National Approach ›› Climate Change Plan ›› National Marine Plan ›› Marine Litter Strategy Outcome 3: Outcome 4: ›› Scottish Landscape Charter Climate Change Land Partnerships
The natural environment of the New landscape-scale partnerships Park is better managed to help deliver better integrated mitigate and address the impacts management of the land and water of climate change. environment, providing multiple benefits for nature and people.
20 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Our guiding principles Conservation & Land To realise our Conservation vision we recognise that: Management
What we want to achieve
Our guiding principles
View of the Highland Boundary Fault from Conic Hill
›› How land is managed will change to ›› Land use change needs to respect ›› Wider landscape scale benefits will provide wider public benefits, particularly important landscape characteristics such require more collaboration across social and environmental benefits, as as wild land qualities or important historic land holdings. well as ensuring economically viable land landscape and cultural heritage features. ›› Action is required to address threats based businesses. ›› The services our land can deliver for to the National Park’s most important ›› Land management objectives will be wider public benefit are significant species and habitats, including invasive increasingly guided by the need to and could be increased to promote non-native species, visitor and support healthy habitats and ecosystems better natural flood management, development pressures, unsustainable which build resilience to the effects of carbon storage, timber production grazing and diffuse pollution. climate change. and water resource use.
21 Outcome 1: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Natural Capital
The Park’s natural resources are enhanced for future Sustainable Climate Valuing Natural Economic Change Nature Capital generations: important habitats are protected, restored Growth and better connected on a landscape scale.
Why is this important? The stunning and varied wildlife and landscapes found in the National Park attract people from around the world to visit, live and work.
Ecosystems Woodlands Waterbodies The living ecosystems of the area also The planted forests and native woodlands in The varied lochs, rivers, burns and peatlands not provide vital stocks of natural capital, from the National Park are of national importance only contribute to the beauty and natural wealth of which flow benefits from nature such as both in terms of timber production and their the region, but also provide drinking water, water, timber, energy, food, recreation and rich biodiversity. They also play an important renewable energy production, enjoyment. Conserving and enhancing our role in mitigating climate change by storing livelihoods and recreational opportunities. natural heritage is the first aim of Scotland’s an estimated 2,505,000 tonnes of carbon In a rapidly changing climate the health of these National Parks. and slowing water flow, which can help ecosystems is essential. The restoration and reduce flooding and stabilise slopes prone enhancement of degraded waterbodies and Species and habitats to landslides. peatlands, in order to aid their water and carbon The area also holds strategically important storage natural functions, are highly important, populations of species, such as Atlantic Woodland cover is already extensive in some as is their role as major sources of drinking water salmon, golden eagle and red squirrel; and areas, such as the Trossachs and Cowal, but and hydro-electricity generation. habitats of high biodiversity value, like native much less so in upland areas, such as oakwoods and peatlands, which contribute to Breadalbane. There are opportunities to The coasts and narrow sea lochs of the a national ecological network. Wildlife species increase the benefits of woodlands by National Park lie close to the mouth of the are an integral part of the natural creating more extensive and better Firth of Clyde and are integral to the history environment and people’s connection with it. connected forest and native woodland and heritage of the region. Rich coastal and marine networks, whilst recognising the need for wildlife, combined with tranquil, secluded seascapes sensitive siting of new plantations. make this a popular area for low key marine tourism and a gateway area to the internationally renowned west coast and islands.
22 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Conservation & Land Management
Outcome 1: Natural Capital
Looking north from Ben Venue over Loch Katrine and The Great Trossachs Forest
23 Making it happen These are our priorities for action: Conservation Priority 1.1 We will work with others to deliver multiple benefits from nature including Habitats natural flood management, carbon storage, and sustainable timber and food production. Specific habitats for focus include:
Oakwood near Aberfoyle Water vole © FCS Isobel Cameron
›› Woodlands ›› Freshwater and Marine The National Park Authority’s priority Working with key partners such as SEPA will be supporting and encouraging land and Marine Scotland, the National Park managers with advice and resources to Authority’s priority and focus will be on expand and manage native woodland and supporting the restoration of naturally- restructure plantations. We will produce functioning river and loch systems, a Woodland Strategy highlighting the particularly in and around the wilder parts opportunities for native woodland of the Park. This will be done by taking a expansion and management. Our catchment-by-catchment approach to key focus will be on areas with sparse tackling diffuse pollution and improving woodland cover and the restoration water quality, flows and wetland habitat. of native upland woodland and scrub We will work towards encouraging habitats, particularly along hillside burns, natural flood management solutions, as and also waterside woodlands on the demonstrated by projects such as the
Red squirrel © SWT Alan Laing banks of rivers, burns and lochs in the Strathard Partnership and highlight the lowland areas of the Park. problem of marine litter in Loch Long.
24 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 KEY
Park mobility sites Waterbus departure points
Piers/ pontoons for water recreation New routes designed for active travel West Highland Way Long Distance Routes National Cycle Network Railway/ Train station
A85 Roads
KEY
Travel corridors
Wildland topology
Roads Map Woodland and forest cover Key KEY ConservationKEY KEY & Land Native woodland Management All features in Peatland 1 favourable condition Outcome 1: Productive Conifer One or more features in Natural Capital unfavourable condition
Priority 1.1 © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100031883 Data source: Forestry Commission Scotland
0 5 10 15 20 Kilometers
0 5 10 Miles
The woodlands and forests of the National Park hold approximately 2.5 million tonnes of carbon.
25 Conservation Priority 1.2 Species Who can help deliver Outcome 1? Listed below are partners who have committed Whilst the National Park Authority’s main focus will first and foremost be on the wider to helping deliver these outcomes (Lead Delivery health of ecosystems and habitats which support species, it will also support targeted Partners) and those who could provide further work on key species whose conservation status is in decline or at risk, with a focus on: support (Support Delivery Partners).
›› Tackling and reducing the impacts of Lead Delivery Partners: invasive non-native species such as ›› Scottish Natural Heritage Rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, ›› Forestry Commission Scotland Himalayan balsam and Grey squirrel with ›› Forest Enterprise Scotland a strategic, landscape-scale approach. ›› Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) ›› ‘Flagship’ species that are gauges of ›› Scottish Government Rural Payments and natural health and representative of key, Inspections Division (RPID) threatened habitats in the Park. ›› Scottish Land & Estates These species help engage people with ›› Fisheries Trusts the natural environment and the benefits ›› Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside it brings. These include ‘flagship’ species Trust targeted for action under Wildpark 2020, ›› Deer Management Groups the National Park’s current biodiversity action plan: Support Delivery Partners: • Red Squirrel (woodland) ›› Private and NGO Land Managers • Black Grouse (upland) ›› Local Authorities • Brown Trout (freshwater) ›› National Farmers Union Scotland • Gannet (marine) ›› RSPB Black Grouse © RSPB Andy Hay ›› Scottish Wildlife Trust ›› National Trust for Scotland ›› Confederation of Forest Industries ›› Marine Scotland ›› Transport Scotland ›› Clyde Marine Planning Partnership ›› Woodland Trust Scotland ›› Scottish Water ›› Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
26 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Map Pressures affecting our designated sites Conservation & Land 2 Management Outcome 1: Natural Capital Across the National Park, 67 sites Priority 1.2 are designated for their special
nature conservation value. KEY
Key pressures affecting our Park mobility sites designated sites include: Waterbus departure points › unsustainable levels of grazing Piers/ pontoons › for water recreation ›› invasive non-native species, and New routes designed for active travel ›› water quality issues West Highland Way Long Distance Routes National Cycle Network Railway/ Train station
A85 Roads
KEY
Travel corridors
Wildland topology
Roads
KEY KEYKey KEY
Native woodland All features in Peatland favourable condition Productive Conifer One or more features in unfavourable condition
0 5 10 15 20 Kilometers © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100031883 0 5 10 Miles Data source: Scottish Natural Heritage
27 Outcome 2: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Landscape Qualities
The Park’s special landscape qualities and sense of place Valuing Natural A Park Health & are conserved and enhanced with more opportunities to Nature Capital for All Wellbeing enjoy and experience them.
Why is this important? Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park lies on the doorstep of 50% of Scotland’s population and attracts over four million visitors every year.
Special landscapes Safeguarding Qualities Valuing nature Its special landscapes include lochs, This rich mix of natural and man-made The beautiful landscapes and cultural coastlines, forests and striking contrasts features combine to define the scenic heritage offer visitors, many from urban where the lowlands and highlands meet, diversity of the National Park. There is areas, the opportunity to experience and with significant areas in the north still a continuing need to both safeguard learn about nature, tranquility and history retaining a wilder feel. These have been and enhance the scenic and experiential first hand. These physical and emotional created and shaped by both natural and qualities of the National Park, which lie connections are vital in fostering a sense of human forces over millennia, and are at the very heart of the identity, understanding, respect and ultimately value continuously evolving as the climate and the attractiveness and economic life-blood for the Park’s environment and heritage. use of the land changes. The area also has a of this special place. As a society we protect and cherish those rich historic environment which is valued by It is important that we ensure that key areas things that we value, so our aim is to ensure residents and visitors alike. of the National Park where people get to that the natural and historic environment experience the inspiring vistas found here of the Park is respected and valued by all. are recognised and enhanced. This means Sadly, this is not always the case, which can that key transport routes, such as trunk lead to negative impacts such as littering roads and the West Highland railway line, and other inappropriate behaviours. along with the settlements in the Park, We will work to engage with and educate our continue to provide good lines of sight to visitors to promote further understanding of the stunning views of the iconic landscapes and respect for nature. found here.
28 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Conservation & Land Management
Outcome 2: Landscape Qualities
‘LookOut’ Scenic Route viewpoint, Loch Doine
29 Making it happen These are our priorities for action: Conservation Priority 2.1 Landscape & Heritage Who can help deliver Outcome 2? ›› Ensuring that developments and The National Park Authority, and its partners, will work to Listed below are partners who have projects recognise the need to protect conserve and enhance the special landscape and cultural committed to helping deliver these and, where possible, enhance the heritage qualities of the area by: outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) qualities of wildness, tranquillity, dark and those who could provide further skies and the historic environment. support (Support Delivery Partners). ›› Supporting projects that enhance opportunities to enjoy landscapes, Lead Delivery Partners: particularly along major transport ›› Scottish Natural Heritage routes and around settlements, ›› Forestry Commission Scotland including implementing a strategically ›› Forest Enterprise Scotland planned and designed upgrade to the ›› Historic Environment Scotland A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan, › and continuing to review landslip › Transport Scotland management measures on the A83 at ›› ScotRail The Rest and Be Thankful. ›› Police Scotland ›› Prioritising spatially targeted landscape Support Delivery Partners: enhancements that also deliver ›› Private and NGO Land Managers improvements for nature such as ›› Local Authorities woodland creation, re-structuring of ›› Scottish Land & Estates commercial forestry blocks, wetland ›› National Farmers Union Scotland restoration or tackling invasive non- ›› John Muir Trust native species. ›› Friends of Loch Lomond & The ›› Safeguarding and restoring tranquil Trossachs loch-shores through initiatives including the Your Park camping management ›› Friends of the West Highland Lines programme and Respect Your Park Major road improvements on the A82 at Pulpit Rock campaign.
30 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Map Special Landscape Qualities A82 Conservation A827 & Land 3 Management Outcome 2: Landscape Qualities A85 We will enhance the National A85 Priority 2.1 Park’s special landscape qualities A85 and enjoyment of them by: ›› Protecting views to lochs, high summits A82 and landmark features ›› Improving woodland design ›› Celebrating dark skies A84 KEY ›› Undergrounding transmission lines wherePark practical mobility sites A83 › › ProtectingWaterbus tranquil departure qualities, points particularly on undeveloped loch- Piers/ pontoons A821 shoresfor water recreation ›› Protecting wild land qualities, Strategic future routes A815 particularly in upland areas A81 Long Distance Routes A873
National Cycle Network
Railway/ Train station A815 A814 A82 A811
A85 Roads A81
A817 KKEYey
A880 A811 Main travel corridors where A81 people experience the landscape A809
Areas with wild land attributes
Roads
0 5 10 15 20 Kilometers ©KEY Crown copyright and database rights 2018 OrdnanceKEY Survey 100031883 KEY Data source: Scottish Natural Heritage, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority 0 5 10 Miles This map Native is based woodland on our report: “Wildness Study in the LochAll Lomond features & The in Trossachs National Park” Peatland and the 2014 Scottish Natural Heritage map of wild land areas. favourable condition One or more features in Non-native woodland 31 unfavourable condition Outcome 3: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Climate Change The natural environment of the Park is better Sustainable Climate Valuing Natural Economic Change Nature Capital managed to help mitigate and address the impacts Growth of climate change.
Why is this important? The impacts of climate change present very real challenges to our native habitats and species and to our communities and economy in the National Park, particularly in relation to the increasing frequency of flood events and loss of biodiversity.
Flooding risk Rainfall patterns Dynamic Ecosystems Large areas of the National Park, including As seasonal temperatures and rainfall These threats require us to work to the Loch Lomond basin, Loch Earn basin, patterns continue to rapidly change we will create more dynamic and resilient natural the Forth and Teith rivers, Strathfillan and see some of our species put under the dual ecosystems where habitats are allowed to coastal areas round Loch Long, fall within pressures of adapting to a warmer, wetter adapt to a changing world. For example, Potentially Vulnerable Areas to flooding. climate and the emergence of new plant alternative management in some upland diseases. areas could reduce the risk of downstream flooding events. More prolonged and intense periods of rainfall have seen some of our grazed The National Park Authority, as a public hillsides become saturated and unstable, body, has a key role in contributing to contributing to some major landslides and adaption and mitigation of climate change significant disruption to strategic transport effects, including working with others to routes, such as the A83 at The Rest and Be reduce carbon emissions and to capture Thankful and the A85 at Glen Ogle. carbon stores.
32 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Conservation & Land Management
Outcome 3: Climate Change
Peatland restoration at Auchlyne & Suie Estate © Tracks Ecology
33 Making it happen These are our priorities for action: Conservation Priority 3.1 Who can help deliver Climate Change Outcome 3? Our focus will be working with partners and These will include supporting: Listed below are partners who have committed to helping deliver these communities to better adapt to, and mitigate against, ›› Natural flood management projects. outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) the impacts of climate change by building resilience ›› Sensitively sited woodland and those who could provide further and collaborating on land use and water management enhancement and expansion. support (Support Delivery Partners). initiatives which capture carbon and reduce flooding ›› Building resilient habitat networks. Lead Delivery Partners: impacts. ›› Peatland restoration projects upstream › of flood risk communities, including › Scottish Natural Heritage Aberfoyle and Callander. ›› Forest Enterprise Scotland › ›› Implementation of the Clyde and Loch › Forestry Commission Scotland Lomond, Forth, and Tay Flood Risk ›› Scottish Environment Protection Management Plans that cover the Park. Agency (SEPA) ›› Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) ›› Confederation of Forest Industries Support Delivery Partners: ›› Private and NGO Land Managers ›› Clyde Marine Planning Partnership ›› Local Authorities ›› Scottish Land & Estates ›› National Farmers Union Scotland ›› Scottish Water ›› John Muir Trust ›› Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Community Partnership and local
Demonstrating taking a peat core on the Comer Estate communities
34 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Map Natural Carbon Store Conservation & Land 4 Management Outcome 3: Climate Change
Priority 3.1 The peatlands of the National Park store more than 20 million tonnes of carbon. They are the KEY best carbon store we have, so it’s Park mobility sites vitally important we work with Waterbus departure points
Piers/ pontoons land managers to protect and for water recreation New routes designed restore them. for active travel West Highland Way Long Distance Routes National Cycle Network Railway/ Train station
A85 Roads
KEY
Travel corridors
Wildland topology
Roads
Key KEY KEY KEY
Native woodland All features in Peatland favourable condition One or more features in Productive Conifer © Crown copyright and database rights unfavourable condition 0 5 10 15 20 Kilometers 2017 Ordnance Survey 100031883 Data source: Scottish Natural Heritage 0 5 10 Miles
35 Outcome 4: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Land Partnerships
New landscape scale partnerships deliver better integrated Sustainable Climate Valuing Natural Economic Change Nature Capital management of the land and water environment providing Growth multiple benefits for nature and people.
Why is this important? Over the life of this plan it is essential to work in partnership with others to deliver better stewardship of land and water across the public, private and community owned areas that together make up the National Park.
Integrated Management Restoration and enhancement Land Use Partnerships Better integration of land and water Scotland’s 2020 Biodiversity Challenge The Scottish Government’s Land Use management, across different land sets out to deliver the international United Strategy 2016 identifies the creation of new ownerships, will be key to increasing Nations Aichi Biodiversity target for Regional Land Use Partnerships as a policy resilience in a changing world where more restoring 15% of degraded ecosystems. that will bring people together for the better sustainable use of the National Park’s In the National Park our biggest contribution understanding and integration of land use. natural resources becomes increasingly can be through restoring and enhancing the We wish to lead the way to help deliver this important. habitat quality of the large scale woodland, action by establishing and facilitating new upland and wetland ecosystems that are Land Use Partnerships in the National Park. found here. These will operate at landscape-scale and across land ownerships in order to deliver The majority of these habitats (56%) are better stewardship of land and water across owned by private landowners, with 31% public and private land, and involve local being held by state agencies and 4.5% communities. We will also support the aims by environmental Non-Governmental and objectives of the Callander Landscape Organisations. Therefore it is important Partnership to provide multiple benefits for that we establish effective, mutually nature and people. beneficial partnerships with land managers and find innovative approaches to trialling and piloting large-scale habitat restoration and land management projects.
36 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Conservation & Land Management
Outcome 4: Land Partnerships
Looking south west towards Callander, from Easter Bracklin Farm © Gill Corden
37 Looking towards Loch Chon, Strathard
38 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Making it happen Conservation & Land These are our priorities for action: Management
Outcome 4: Land Conservation Priority 4.1 Partnerships Integrated Land Management Priority 4.1 To achieve better integrated and more sustainable land management in the National Park we will:
›› Work with land managers and communities to establish and facilitate Land Use Partnerships operating at landscape and catchment scales, across multiple land ownerships in key areas of the National Park. Examples include the Strathard Partnership and Callander Landscape Partnership. ›› Support Deer Management Groups to achieve sustainable, long term deer impact management in the Park. This will be done through the development of Deer Management Plans and associated Habitat Impact Assessments, focusing efforts on areas with Building on Success adverse grazing impacts, and the support of new Deer Management Groups in parts of the Ecosystem Services Park where none exist. Strathard Project ›› Support land managers to plan and deliver multiple environmental and social benefits, This exciting partnership project, alongside economic return, through the launched in 2017, aims to identify land creation and delivery of Integrated Land management solutions in Strathard that Management Plans for land management will help reduce flood risk downstream businesses. in and around Aberfoyle. It will also ›› Develop a co-ordinated management plan to deliver other improvements enhance the wooded Loch Lomond Islands to the local environment and wildlife, and their habitats. helping to manage natural resources Overlooking Loch Voil, Balquhidder sustainably in a changing climate.
39 Map Collaborative land management 5 projects across the Park 1 2
Integrated land management delivers multiple benefits for nature and people. We want to extend collaborative projects across the National Park. 4
1 Upper Tay INNS project › Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) 3 control along water bodies
2 Glen Dochart Partnership › Conservation of wading birds 6
3 Callander Landscape Partnership › Accessible natural and cultural heritage › Path network and new bridge › Meadow and woodland management 5 4 The Great Trossachs Forest › Native woodland expansion › New National Nature Reserve › Path network
5 Strathard Partnership & Aberfoyle › Peatland restoration
6 Hell’s Glen project 0 5 10 15 20 Kilometers
› Rhododendron control 0 5 10 Miles
© Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100031883 Data source: Scottish Natural Heritage
40 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Who can help deliver Outcome 4? Conservation & Conservation & Land Management Listed below are partners who have committed to helping deliver these Land Management outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and those who could provide further Outcome 4: Land support (Support Delivery Partners). Indicators of success Partnerships Lead Delivery Partners: Support Delivery Partners How will we measure success by 2023? Conservation & Land ›› Scottish Natural Heritage ›› Private and NGO Land Managers Management: ›› Forest Enterprise Scotland ›› Scottish Land and Estates Indicators Area of new woodland of success ›› Forestry Commission Scotland ›› RSPB 2000 hectares of woodland expansion by 2023 ›› Scottish Environment Protection ›› National Trust for Scotland Agency (SEPA) ›› Fisheries Trusts ›› Scottish Government Rural ›› Confederation of Forest Area and condition of restored peatland Payments and Inspections Industries 2000 hectares of restored peatland by 2023 Division (RPID) ›› Deer Management Groups ›› Local Authorities ›› Scottish Water Percentage of designated sites in favourable ›› National Farmers Union Scotland ›› Woodland Trust Scotland condition ›› Marine Scotland ›› John Muir Trust Increase from 2017 baseline of 76% of designated site ›› Loch Lomond & The Trossachs features to 80% by 2023 Countryside Trust Percentage of water bodies achieving at least good ecological condition Increase from 2016 baseline of 44% to 59% by 2023
Clearing rhododendron
41 Visitor Experience
42 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Visitor Experience
Our vision Our Vision An internationally renowned landscape where there is a high quality, authentic experience for people from all backgrounds. There are many opportunities to enjoy recreation activities and appreciate the area’s outstanding natural and cultural heritage.
43 National Parks are major tourism attractions in countries around the world. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park itself attracts millions of visitors every year because of its world-renowned natural beauty, extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, its close proximity to the large population centres of central Scotland and accessibility by road and rail.
Pressures in Popular Areas Raising quality This volume of visitors presents us with both In recent years significant progress has been made great opportunities and some significant in placing Loch Lomond & The Trossachs on the challenges. Traditionally, the National Park’s world stage as a ‘must visit’ National Park. The visitor profile is predominantly high numbers of previous National Park Partnership Plan 2012-2017, day visitors in periods of good weather. raised both the level of ambition and the quality of visitor experience in the National Park. Historically this has meant a highly seasonal, weather dependent visitor economy that creates The visitor economy has benefited from the significant visitor pressures in some of the most provision of a wider range of excellent tourism popular areas of the Park. offerings and recreation opportunities, as well as the introduction of better management of areas Without appropriate management these facing pressures from significant visitor numbers. pressures have a negative effect on the Businesses in the Park will need to keep adapting experience for visitors to these popular areas. to changing expectations of both domestic and They can also affect the quality of environment, international visitors to continue to grow. economy and community life. This plan aims to build on these achievements and further develop our focus on raising the level of ambition to ensure that the quality of visitor experience in the National Park is truly world class.
44 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Visitor Experience
Our vision
Selfie at the top of Conic Hill
45 What we want to achieve
Outcome 5: Outcome 6: Outcome 7: Recreation Opportunities Water Recreation Visitor Economy
The National Park has a wide There are more opportunities The Park’s visitor economy is variety of well promoted and to enjoy water-based recreation thriving with more businesses and managed outdoor recreation and sporting activities across the organisations working together to opportunities providing for a Park’s lochs, rivers and coasts create a world-class destination. range of abilities and interests. while maximising safety for all users and protecting the quality of water environments.
Achieving these outcomes will help to deliver the Outcome 8: Outcome 9: following national strategies: ›› Tourism Scotland 2020 Visitor Management Health & Learning ›› Active Scotland Outcomes ›› National Walking and Cycling Network The most popular parts of the People from a wider range ›› National Walking Strategy National Park which experience of backgrounds are enjoying, ›› National Physical Activity Implementation Plan pressures are managed to ensure valuing and helping manage the ›› Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor that the quality of environment, National Park. It is used more as Learning – Education Scotland visitor experience and community a place for people to realise the ›› Marine Tourism Strategy for Scotland life are protected and enhanced. personal health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature and being active in the outdoors.
46 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Our guiding principles Visitor To realise our Visitor Experience vision we recognise that: Experience
What we want ›› There is a need to balance continuing to achieve
investment in developing new recreation Our guiding routes with the need to ensure the existing principles network is maintained to a high standard and includes a good range of opportunities for people of all abilities. ›› Some recreation routes should be developed and managed to enable more active travel journeys to and within the National Park that promote health benefits and help reduce car use. ›› The number of people visiting the National Park by car has not reduced and there is a need to provide more appealing transport alternatives which better use active travel and rail infrastructure and offer more convenient Loch-side walk along Loch Chon services to popular destinations. ›› The promotion of more water recreation ›› There are some parts of the National Park where ›› The proximity of the National Park to a opportunities and facilities needs to be balanced the number of visitors at peak times cannot be large urban population is an opportunity to with the need to ensure improved water quality, accommodated sustainably, and where demand get more people active in the outdoors to protect important water bodies and waterside and some negative visitor behaviour will have improve their physical and mental health, and habitats, minimise conflicts between different to be managed to prevent damage to the to learn more about its natural environment. It recreation uses and a safe experience for water environment and local community life and have can also help facilitate both young people and users. a good visitor experience. those experiencing disadvantage to be able to ›› The management of the National Park needs ›› Long term investment in and co-ordinated visit the National Park. to support local business confidence to invest management of visitor infrastructure and ›› There is a need to ensure long term in providing the experiences and services that facilities is required from both the public and sustainable solutions to balancing the visitors and residents are looking for and to private sector, and across a range of visitor provision and promotions of recreational support jobs and economic growth in a way sites and land ownerships, if a good quality infrastructure and activities with protecting which celebrates and fits with an internationally experience and reduced impacts are to be natural and cultural heritage. important landscape. achieved.
47 Outcome 5: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Recreation Opportunities The National Park has a wide variety of well promoted Sustainable Climate Valuing Natural Community Health & Economic Change Nature Capital Empowerment Wellbeing and managed outdoor recreation opportunities Growth providing for a range of abilities and interests.
Why is this important? There is a wealth of recreation opportunities available within the National Park but we must make sure that these are well promoted and managed so that these can be enjoyed by as wide a range of people as possible. It’s also important that we respond to changes in demand for recreational facilities and the growing popularity of new activities.
Paths network Sensitive environments The National Park Authority and a wide The popularity of the Park’s mountains range of partners, including communities, means they are subject to path erosion and have already invested significantly in need concerted efforts to protect these improving recreational paths and facilities. sensitive environments and to allow positive This has been guided most recently by the and safe visitor experiences. National Park’s Outdoor Recreation Plan and The Park Authority must lead efforts with Core Paths Plan. partners to tackle these issues and build on However, the existing paths network the achievements already made under the needs to be improved with some additional previous plan to ensure that the range of strategic links being created, improvements outdoor recreation opportunities are well to local paths and finding long term promoted and managed for all to enjoy. solutions to ensure the overall network is maintained and promoted to a high standard.
Terrain hoppers at Bracklinn Falls
48 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Making it happen Visitor These are our priorities for action: Experience
Outcome 5: Recreation Visitor Experience Priority 5.1 Opportunities
Priority 5.1 Path Provision Priority 5.2 Improving and extending the National Park’s recreational path network by: ›› Ensuring that the National Park Core Paths ›› Enabling the development of the cross- are reviewed and fit for purpose. Scotland Pilgrim’s Way as a national ›› Restoring 22 mountain paths and delivering development by connecting the Tyndrum training and volunteering opportunities to St Fillans section passing through the through the Mountains and The People National Park. project (see ‘Building on Success’ below). ›› Developing key active travel linkages ›› Investing in recreational routes in the between communities. landscape around Callander through the New path from Dalrigh to Tyndrum path, looking towards the Crianlarich hills. Callander Landscape Partnership.
Visitor Experience Priority 5.2 Building on Success The Mountains and Path Maintenance The People project Developing ways to resource the required investment The Mountains and The People, to maintain high quality path networks (including is a five year project, launched in through visitor and charitable giving), particularly the 2015, to preserve, improve and West Highland Way and other long distance routes and restore the unique upland habitats Core Paths in the National Park. in Scotland’s National Parks as well as creating training and volunteering opportunities.
49 Making it happen These are our priorities for action: Visitor Experience Priority 5.3 Who can help deliver Active Travel Outcome 5? Promoting greater use of the Listed below are partners who have National Walking and Cycling committed to helping deliver these Network in the national Park for outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and those who could provide further recreation and active travel and support (Support Delivery Partners). promoting better linkages from Lead Delivery Partners: existing public transport hubs and ›› Forest Enterprise Scotland services. ›› Scottish Natural Heritage ›› Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland ›› Community Development Trusts ›› Community Councils ›› ScotRail ›› Sport Scotland ›› Sustrans ›› Callander Landscape Partnership Support Delivery Partners: ›› Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Access Forum ›› Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust ›› Local Authorities ›› Paths for All ›› Transport Scotland ›› Third Sector Activity Providers Horse riding near Drymen Cycling on National Cycle Route 7, Glen Ogle
50 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Map Strategic Recreation Network Visitor A82 A827 Experience 6 Killin Outcome 5: Recreation Opportunities Tyndrum KKEYey Priority 5.3 A85 Park mobility sites A85 St Fillans A85 Waterbus departure points Lochearnhead Crianlarich Piers/ pontoons A82 Balquhidder for water recreation
Strategic future routes Inverlochlarig Strathyre Long Distance Routes Ardlui A84 National Cycle Network
Railway/ Train station A83 Inversnaid A85 Roads Callander Brig O’ Turk © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Arrochar Ordnance Survey 100031883 A821
Data source: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs A815 Tarbet National Park Authority Lochgoilhead Kinlochard Milton A81 A873 Aberfoyle Port of KEY Menteith
A815 A814 Main travel corridors where A82 Gartmore people experience the landscape A811
A81 Areas with wild land attributes Luss Balmaha
Roads Ardentinny Drymen Croftamie KEY KEY KEYA817
Native woodland All featuresA880 in Peatland A811 favourable condition A809 A81 One or more features in Non-native woodland Balloch unfavourable conditionBlairmore
0 5 10 15 20 Kilometers Dunoon
0 5 10 Miles
51 Outcome 6 Helping to deliver these National Benefits Water Recreation There are more opportunities to enjoy water-based Climate Natural Community Health & recreation and sporting activities across the Park’s lochs, change Capital Empowerment Wellbeing rivers and coasts while maximising safety for all users and protecting the quality of water environments.
Why is this important? Many of the lochs in the Park are popular for water-based sport and recreation activities, with changing trends in what people come here to do. For example, we are seeing growth in the popularity of canoeing, open-water swimming and new activities, such as paddleboarding.
Water-based recreation Marine tourism This can be done through continued Boating and fishing continue to be popular The success of the Loch Lomond Waterbus investment in infrastructure, the promotion and the availability of boating facilities has made better use of the Loch’s piers of routes, activities and itineraries, as well (publicly-accessible piers, pontoons and with services now also connecting Loch as linking Clyde coastal and inland waters moorings) continues to fall short of demand. Katrine. It has benefited our lochside by improving facilities on Loch Lomond, communities, in addition to established Loch Long and Loch Earn. Appropriate The well-established Loch Lomond cruise and ferry offerings, by providing an pier infrastructure may also be required Byelaws continue to work effectively, appealing sustainable transport alternative to accommodate the Maid of the Loch as helping our Ranger Service to achieve to journeying by car. efforts continue to bring this historic paddle balanced management of the loch in a way steamer back into operation. that enables a wide range of recreational The Scottish Marine Tourism Strategy activities, while minimising conflicts. identifies that there is further potential to The other lochs have the potential to capitalise on and grow water-based tourism support more non-motorised activities. in the Park. So it’s important that we work with partners to further develop the opportunities on our lochs, rivers and coasts in the National Park.
52 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Visitor Experience
Outcome 6: Water Recreation
Paddleboarding on Loch Lubnaig
53 Open water swimming at Loch Ard
54 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Making it happen Visitor These are our priorities for action: Experience
Outcome 6: Who can help deliver Outcome 6? Water Visitor Experience Priority 6.1 Recreation
Listed below are partners who have committed to helping Priority 6.1 Water Facilities deliver these outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and those Priority 6.2 who could provide further support (Support Delivery Partners). Priority 6.3 Securing investment in more publicly accessible boating and recreational facilities, such as piers, pontoons and moorings Support Delivery Partners: ›› Local Destination Organisations for a range of users, particularly on Loch Lomond, Loch Long ›› Community Development Trusts and Loch Earn. ›› Community Councils ›› VisitScotland ›› Enterprise and Skills Agencies ›› SportScotland Visitor Experience Priority 6.2 ›› Clyde Marine Planning Partnership ›› Maid of the Loch - Loch Lomond Steamship Company Waterbus Network ›› The Royal Yachting Association Scotland ›› Watersports governing bodies Encouraging the development of the Waterbus network ›› Scottish Canoe Association on Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine and enabling new opportunities on Loch Long.
Visitor Experience Priority 6.3 Water Recreation Encouraging more participation in established and emerging water recreation activities such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, open water swimming and board sports by promoting suitable locations and itineraries as well as clear Sea kayaking on Loch Long water safety advice.
55 Outcome 7: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Visitor Economy The Park’s visitor economy is thriving with more Natural Sustainable Community Health & businesses and organisations working together to Capital Economic empowerment Wellbeing Growth create a world-class destination.
Why is this important? Businesses and organisations in the National Park have taken great strides in adapting and innovating to better provide for the dynamic and ever changing tourism demand in recent years.
Adapting to expectations Enjoying the landscape The West Highland Line offers an The accommodation offering has seen many The award-winning Scottish Scenic Routes outstanding rail experience but positive investments and there has been Initiative has brought iconic architectural opportunities to come here via local a rise in visitors using self-catering installations attracting fresh audiences to stations are currently under-promoted. accommodation, managed campsites and these locations by improving opportunities to Visitor information hotels from 2011 to 2015. stop during journeys to enjoy the landscape. Visitor feedback also shows that it can be The National Park’s reputation as a top-quality However, significant opportunity remains a challenge to get the right information food destination has seen a strong increase to make more of the Park’s rich wildlife, to plan and enjoy a trip to Loch Lomond & in the number of people coming to the area landscapes and the wide range of recreation The Trossachs National Park, particularly, for its food and drink. The growing number of activities that attract longer staying visitors. working out the best way to visit and link annual festivals and events showcasing local These include cycling, high quality paddle together experiences in different areas. food and drink producers are also attracting sports, long-distance walking and open- This is compounded by the current lack thousands of people to the area. water swimming – although this requires of fit for purpose broadband and mobile careful management in areas with significant connectivity in many parts of the Park. A calendar of high quality events is attracting existing boat use. Creative use of publicly more visitors to the National Park including Alongside an improving hotel and self- owned and managed sites can help provide the increase in outdoor sporting events like catering offering, there is a need for more visitor services and activities. the Great Scottish Swim. This success of more camping, bunkhouse and overnight this event helped attract the 2018 European The National Park’s road, rail and long motorhome stops on popular routes to Championships Open Water Swimming distance path network represent some of the meet visitor expectations of a full range of competition to Balloch. best scenic routes in Scotland with stunning accommodation options to choose from. views of the area’s lochs and mountains.
56 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Visitor Experience
Outcome 7: Visitor Economy
The Great Scottish Swim, Loch Lomond
57 Loch Lomond Food Festival
58 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Making it happen Visitor These are our priorities for action: Experience
Outcome 7: Visitor Visitor Experience Priority 7.1 Economy Who can help deliver Outcome 7? Priority 7.1 Growing Tourism Markets Priority 7.2 Listed below are partners who have committed Encouraging new and established tourism businesses to innovate and to helping deliver these outcomes (Lead Delivery collaborate by capitalising on growing markets linked to: Partners) and those who could provide further support (Support Delivery Partners). ›› Walking, cycling and canoeing ›› Signature Events ›› Camping and motorhomes ›› Cultural Heritage including Gaelic Lead Delivery Partners: ›› Enterprise and Skills Agencies ›› Nature based tourism language ›› VisitScotland ›› Marine tourism ›› Film and TV locations ›› Scottish Futures Trust ›› Food and drink ›› Accessible tourism Support Delivery Partners: ›› Business tourism ›› Destination Business Groups ›› Community Development Trusts ›› Community Councils Visitor Experience Priority 7.2 ›› Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs ›› ScotRail Information & Connectivity ›› Local Authorities ›› Transport Scotland Making it easier to find out what the National Park has to offer and ensure ›› Scottish Tourism Alliance the connectivity for businesses to grow and collaborate by: ›› RSPB ›› Estates and Landowners ›› Facilitating better joined-up, consistent ›› Providing a good Ranger and Volunteer › and relevant visitor information, Ranger visitor welcome service. › Royal Botanic Gardens Scotland ›› Bòrd na Gàidhlig particularly on digital platforms. ›› Securing better Superfast Broadband, ›› Providing advice and online resources for public Wi-Fi and mobile telephone tourism businesses in the National Park. network coverage ›› Facilitating business collaboration through events and digital engagement.
59 Outcome 8: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Visitor Management The most popular parts of the National Park which Natural Sustainable Community A Park experience pressures are managed to ensure that Capital Economic empowerment for All the quality of environment, visitor experience and Growth community life are protected and enhanced.
Why is this important? High visitor numbers can put pressure on our most accessible and popular places and landscapes within the Park, particularly on lochshores, in picturesque towns and villages, and along popular paths. Alleviating pressures Visitor facilities These pressures take a number of forms, The safety of all road users can be Much public investment has already been from congestion of car parks, litter, threatened by vehicles travelling at targeted on raising the quality of visitor irresponsible or anti-social behaviour, to unsafe speeds. facilities in the busiest areas such as general wear and tear on the environment improving car parks, toilets, information We see a continuing need to address these from the cumulative effect of high volumes points, litter facilities, viewpoints and issues through the right combination of of people visiting these areas throughout providing campsites. engagement and education, investment the season. in facilities and, where necessary, This approach has achieved The National Park’s road network can management measures and regulation to transformational improvements to East become very busy at peak times and help alleviate pressure, change behaviours Loch Lomond and parts of The Trossachs problems can be exacerbated by illegal or and prevent damage. through the 5 Lochs Visitor Management irresponsible parking. Plan. Continuing to find solutions which prevent these problems will support the more sustainable use of busy sites and give confidence for the private sector to play a role in providing new visitor offerings.
60 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Visitor Experience
Outcome 8: Visitor Management
A warm welcome from one of our Rangers at Loch Chon campsite
61 Making it happen These are our priorities for action: Visitor Experience Priority 8.1 Who can help deliver Visitor Management Outcome 8? Ensuring locations experiencing visitor and recreational pressures are well managed with the appropriate combination of infrastructure investment, education and Listed below are partners who have regulation, including: committed to helping deliver these outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and › › › Ensuring designated Camping Management › Developing car parking and traffic management those who could provide further support Zones provide for sustainable levels of camping measures to address peak traffic pressures at (Support Delivery Partners). and motorhome use, including new managed some locations such as East Loch Lomond. facilities, alongside other visitor activities. ›› Delivering educational campaigns with Lead Delivery Partners: ›› Strengthening efforts to prevent and manage partners to promote responsible enjoyment of ›› Forest Enterprise Scotland litter more effectively at popular visitor sites the Park’s environment, including safe use of its ›› Transport Scotland and routes, and address marine litter issues on road network. ›› Local Authorities Loch Long. ›› Police Scotland ›› Zero Waste Scotland Support Delivery Partners: Visitor Experience Priority 8.2 ›› Keep Scotland Beautiful ›› Scottish Natural Heritage ›› Clyde Marine Planning Partnership Public Transport ›› Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Improving public transport options for travelling to and within the National Park including: ›› Making more use of existing railway and active travel infrastructure. ›› Encouraging more convenient services to popular destinations and providing better travel information at strategic transport hubs surrounding the Park. Waterbus on Loch Lomond
62 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Map Visitor Infrastructure Investment Priorities A82 A827 Visitor 7 Experience Outcome 8: Visitor Management Key A85 A85 Priority 8.1 Loch Earn Priority 8.2 Paths Camping A85 7
Visitor Toilets A82 facilities Commercial Balquhidder 6 Opportunities Parking
Loch Access A84 Motorhomes
A83 Inveruglas 5 8 Leny
Tarbet 4 A821 1 A815
A81 2 A873 Firkin Point 3 9 Rowardennan 3 A815 A814 A82 4 A811
A81 5 10 Milarrochy 11 Balmaha 6
7 Benmore 2 A817 12 Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve
8 A880 A811 Duck Bay 1 A81 9 A809 10 11 12 0 5 10 15 20 Kilometers 0 5 10 Miles
© Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100031883 63 Outcome 9: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Health & Learning People from a wider range of backgrounds are enjoying, valuing Natural Climate Sustainable A Park Health & and helping manage the National Park. It is used more as a place Capital change Economic for All Wellbeing Growth for people to realise the personal health and wellbeing benefits of active recreation and connecting with nature.
Why is this important? For many people the National Park provides their first experience of the ‘wild outdoors’, whether it’s marvelling at the tranquillity of a quiet loch, climbing their first mountain or camping for the first time.
Encouraging people of all ages to enjoy The National Park Authority now has a well- Young people and be confident in the outdoors will help established Volunteer Ranger Service as well A range of high quality outdoor learning promote healthy lifestyles, valuing nature as conservation volunteers supporting our opportunities are currently offered to young and understanding of responsible use of the work and that of other local organisations and people in the National Park. This helps give them countryside. communities. a range of skills and experiences that encourage the value of nature and the outdoors. The National Health and wellbeing The number of people volunteering in the Park’s rich cultural heritage also provides a The contribution that the environment can National Park has grown significantly and in learning resource, including the promotion of the make towards improving health and wellbeing our annual volunteer survey 80% of volunteers Gaelic language. is well recognised, benefiting both physical and indicated that volunteering benefited their mental health, as well as social wellbeing. The health and wellbeing. There is significant It’s also important to get more young people National Park has a wide range of easily reached scope for us to create further partnerships and involved in influencing policies and decision and inspiring outdoor experiences which could volunteer opportunities as a way of supporting making as well as the co-design of services. help address health issues for people living many of the priorities identified in this Plan. The National Park Authority can also have within easy reach of the National Park. an influential role in creating training and apprenticeship opportunities and helping to develop the young work force in the National Park.
64 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Visitor Experience
Outcome 9: Health & Learning
Walk in the Park group
Reaching a wider audience There is scope to engage with a wider range of groups in society and support recreational enjoyment, responsible behaviour and stronger appreciation of the need to look after the environment. There are still many people living in nearby urban areas who have never visited the National Park and may lack the means, confidence or knowledge to do so. Further partnerships could be developed to create more, valuable opportunities to visit, enjoy Learning about nature on the way up Conic Hill and learn about the National Park.
65 Making it happen These are our priorities for action: Visitor Experience Priority 9.1 Visitor Experience Priority 9.2 Health Improvement Engagement & Learning Improving how the National Park can be used to support health Increasing opportunities for engagement, volunteering and improvement, strengthening links to health focused activities education activities, especially for young people and those who such as walking, outdoor learning and volunteering programmes are experiencing disadvantage or have difficulty in accessing the as well as sports hubs, award schemes, outdoor activity National Park. providers, active travel opportunities and Park mobility schemes.
Walk in the Park group Outdoor learning with Al-Meezan group
66 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Visitor Experience Visitor Indicators of success Experience Outcome 9: Health & Who can help deliver Outcome 9? How will we measure success by 2023? Learning
Listed below are partners who have committed to helping deliver these Priority 9.1 outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and those who could provide further Proportion of people travelling to and around the Priority 9.2 support (Support Delivery Partners). National Park by public or active transport Visitor Reduce proportion arriving by car from 2015/16 Experience: Lead Delivery Partners: Support Delivery Partners: Indicators Visitor Survey baseline of 85% of success ›› Local Health Partnerships ›› Woodland Trust Scotland ›› Area Health Boards ›› RSPB Increase proportion exploring by foot, water and bike from the 2015/16 Visitor Survey baselines of 39%, 26% › › › Community Planning Partnerships › National Trust for Scotland and 8% respectively ›› Paths for All ›› The Great Trossachs Forest Reduce proportion exploring by car from 2015/16 ›› John Muir Trust ›› Forestry Commission Scotland Visitor Survey baseline of 62% ›› Local Authorities ›› Cairngorms National Park ›› Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Authority Number of young people having an outdoor learning Countryside Trust ›› Friends of Loch Lomond experience in the National Park ›› Young Scot & The Trossachs ›› Scottish Natural Heritage ›› Bòrd na Gàidhlig At least 2500 young people per year over the Plan period ›› Callander Landscape Partnership ›› Third Sector Activity Providers Proportion of people taking part in active recreation Increase from 2015/16 Visitor Survey baselines of 24% for active sport and 49% for low-level walking
Reported public experience of the Park’s settlements and landscapes Increase in proportion of people reporting a good quality experience
Number of volunteers and volunteer hours Increase by 20% from the 2017/18 baseline by 2023
Overall value of the visitor economy Increase from 2016 STEAM baseline of £340m by 2023 Ardentinny beach 67 Rural Development
68 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Rural Development
Our vision Our vision In the National Park businesses and communities thrive and people live and work sustainably in a high quality environment.
69 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National As a planning authority, the National Park Rural development in a Park’s unique environment and special Authority can encourage development qualities provide many opportunities which will improve the physical fabric of National Park context is all for sustainable economic growth and our towns and villages, and support a more diversification. integrated and strategic approach to rural about supporting thriving land use and development. Strong partnership working can deliver rural communities and a the best economic and social use of our Our communities are extremely well placed land, buildings and assets for the benefit of to take forward the new opportunities sustainable, growing, rural people living, working and visiting the area. arising out of community empowerment and land reform legislation. This will enable Aligned to this is the need to mitigate and economy, within a heavily them to have more say and involvement address the challenges of climate change to in service delivery, decision making and improve quality of life, health and wellbeing visited and strongly protected control of their future. and to enhance the overall experience of rural area, where conservation people visiting the National Park. is to the fore.
70 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Rural Development
Our vision
High quality landmark building, Ripple Retreat, on the banks of Loch Venachar © Kettle Collective
71 What we want to achieve
Achieving these will help to deliver Outcome 10: Outcome 11: the following national strategies: ›› National Planning Framework 3 Placemaking Sustainable Growth ›› Scottish Planning Policy ›› Community Empowerment The National Park’s towns, villages The rural economy has been (Scotland) Act 2015 and countryside are enhanced with strengthened through sustainable ›› Land Use Strategy 2016-21 investment in the built and historic business growth and diversification. ›› Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 environment, public spaces and ›› Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 infrastructure.
Outcome 12: Outcome 13: Sustainable Population Community Empowerment
Population decline is being addressed The Park’s communities are supported by attracting and retaining more to influence and deliver actions that skilled working age and young people improve their quality of life and place. within the National Park and the development of a better range of housing options.
72 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Our guiding principles Rural To realise our Rural Development vision we recognise that: Development
What we want ›› If a declining and rapidly aging population ›› The capacity of communities and to achieve cannot be addressed then there is community organisations must continue Our guiding a threat to the sustainability of local to be supported and community action principles communities and services as well as to planning facilitated to empower more local business growth. communities to own and manage assets ›› The National Park’s towns and villages and deliver more projects and services need to be developed to balance both themselves. community and visitor needs through a ›› There is a need to facilitate more combination of promoting appropriate accommodation and higher standards quality new developments, conserving of infrastructure (including broadband) historic townscapes and designing better which provide opportunities for new and public spaces for people to use. growing businesses. ›› There is a pressing need for more ›› There is a need to ensure long term housing which better meets the needs of sustainability in balancing the need for working families and young people while rural development, with protecting at the same time accommodating needs natural and cultural heritage. of an aging population.
73 Outcome 10: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Placemaking The National Park’s towns, villages and countryside Natural Climate Community Health & are enhanced with investment in the built and historic Capital Change Empowerment Wellbeing environment, public spaces and infrastructure.
Why is this important? The National Park is home to around 15,168 people living in towns and villages, and throughout the rural areas. Its towns and villages are varied and diverse in their size and characteristics, and retain a strong sense of place and local distinctiveness.
These range from the Victorian-influenced Opportunities and challenges Community engagement Clyde coastal communities in Cowal; to Our location, so close to central Over the past five years the Park Authority planned estate villages and towns in Loch Scotland’s cities and towns, creates has undertaken extensive engagement Lomond and The Trossachs such as Luss, many opportunities for tourism and with our communities, businesses and Gartmore and Callander; and highland business investment as well as access landowners through charrettes (design-led villages in the north of the Park such as to employment, labour pool, services workshops) and community action planning. Strathyre, Killin and Crianlarich. We also and facilities - particularly hospitals, and These efforts to work collaboratively have have numerous small, dispersed rural secondary and further education. produced strong visions for the Park’s communities, some relatively remote and This proximity to the cities also brings towns and villages. Callander and Balloch some accessed only by single track roads. challenges, including visitor pressures and have important roles as visitor hubs, congestion in some towns and villages while Arrochar and Tarbet have significant at peak times of the year, development potential if marine facilities are developed, pressures, and an expensive housing to take advantage of their lochside market. locations. The focus for the coming years is on delivering the ideas and projects The opportunities and challenges differ generated to enhance places, building on the considerably between the more accessible partnership working already established. and pressured, southern and eastern parts of the National Park and the more remote rural areas in the north and west.
74 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Making it happen Rural These are our priorities for action: Development
Outcome 10: Rural Development Priority 10.1 Placemaking Priority 10.1 Improving Towns Supporting new development, infrastructure and public realm improvements, which facilitate and link to active travel & Villages opportunities, focussing on Arrochar, Tarbet, Balloch and Callander (as well as villages identified as ‘Placemaking Priorities’ in the Local Development Plan). These are illustrated on Map 8 overleaf.
Artist’s impression developed as part of Balloch public realm improvement options © 7N Architects
75 Enhancing the Park’s Towns and Villages Map We will work collaboratively to deliver projects that enhance the 8 National Park’s towns and villages.
Tyndrum Drymen ›› Encourage improvements to ›› Support village square Killin public realm enhancement ›› Support the creation of a village hub Aberfoyle Tyndrum ›› Encourage village centre Arrochar and Tarbet Crianlarich St Fillans ›› Enhance as a marine water public realm improvements Lochearnhead recreation hub ›› Support work to better Balquhidder ›› Improve loch-side manage flood risk Inverlochlarig infrastructure Luss Strathyre Ardlui ›› Create central village hub in ›› Support improvements to the Arrochar management of car parking ›› Encourage redevelopment of Inversnaid Callander derelict sites Callander ›› Support masterplan approach Brig O’ Turk Arrochar Blairmore to southern expansion Tarbet including: Kinlochard Port of ›› Support village green Lochgoilhead Milton Menteith improvements and new uses • new road bridge Aberfoyle ›› Promote marine access • economic development Gartmore opportunities • housing • leisure Luss Balloch • tourism Balmaha ›› Support village centre and • community open space station square public realm ›› Support town centre Ardentinny Drymen
improvements improvements, improved Croftamie ›› Encourage ‘charrette’ vision public realm, active travel ›› Support Balloch Castle and links and safer routes to schools Balloch Country Park regeneration/ Blairmore 0 5 10 15 20 Kilometers improvement Dunoon 0 5 10 Miles This is not exhaustive but illustrates key initiatives, identified as © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 ‘Placemaking Priorities’ in the Local Development Plan. Ordnance Survey 100031883
76 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Making it happen Rural These are our priorities for action: Development
Outcome 10: Rural Development Priority 10.2 Placemaking Priority 10.2 Who can help deliver Priority 10.3 Built Heritage Outcome 10? Conserving and enhancing the built Listed below are partners who have and historic environment, including committed to helping deliver these the repair and restoration of outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and traditional and landmark buildings. those who could provide further support Blairmore Hall (Support Delivery Partners). Lead Delivery Partners: Rural Development Priority 10.3 ›› Local Authorities ›› Landowners ›› Developers Improved ›› Businesses ›› Community Development Trusts Resilience ›› Community Councils Improving resilience to the effects of Support Delivery Partners: climate change, including flooding in ›› Historic Environment Scotland › towns and villages (and affecting sites › SportScotland ›› Transport Scotland and buildings) and encouraging high ›› Scottish Environment Protection quality development that embodies Agency (SEPA) low and zero carbon technologies. ›› Heritage Lottery Fund ›› Forest Enterprise Scotland ›› Paths for All Passivhaus, Gartocharn © Paul Saunders
77 Outcome 11: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Sustainable Growth The rural economy has been strengthened through Sustainable Climate Natural sustainable business growth and diversification. Economic Change Capital Growth
Why is this important? Overall, the rural economy of the Park is performing well with growth in accommodation, outdoor recreation, infrastructure improvements, and the food and drink offering over recent years.
There’s also been a notable rise in The Park offers many opportunities for Connectivity development activity, particularly business growth and diversification, Poor quality broadband (speed, in renewables, housing and tourism including primary production of, and consistency and availability) is regarded as investment. However, the rural economy support to, the food and drink sector a constraint to business operations, growth still faces significant challenges. as well as more integrated land and start-ups. It also affects communities, management approaches. visitors and potential investors in the Park. Business diversification While improved broadband is now available Whilst it has grown and diversified over Adapting to climate change in a number of communities, through recent years, it remains highly seasonal We must also take into account that the current Digital Scotland Superfast and reliant on traditional sectors. Many weather and flooding can significantly Broadband Programme, this does not cover rural businesses are operating at very small affect business viability in areas of the Park, the entire area. margins and traditional land management particularly in Aberfoyle and Callander. sectors typically rely on off-farm Adverse weather can also cause damage employment to supplement incomes. to some of our key transport infrastructure, including trunk roads such as the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful and the A84 at Glen Ogle.
78 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Rural Development
Outcome 11: Sustainable Growth
Excellent food and drink on offer in the National Park
79 Making it happen These are our priorities for action: Rural Development Priority 11.1 Rural Development Priority 11.2 Low Carbon Economy Rural Diversification Supporting the transition towards a lower carbon economy Supporting land managers to diversify with increased use of more through greater energy efficiency, reduced waste and greenhouse rural planning strategies outside our communities linked to the gas emissions and appropriate renewable energy generation with National Park Local Development Plan. a focus on small scale, low carbon opportunities.
Run of river hydro scheme, Drynain burn near Ardentinny Glamping pod at Portnellan Farm © Chris Scott-Park
80 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Rural Development
Outcome 11: Sustainable Rural Development Priority 11.3 Growth
Priority 11.1 Who can help deliver Priority 11.2 Infrastructure for Priority 11.3 Outcome 11? Priority 11.4 Business Growth Listed below are partners who have committed to helping deliver these Increasing workspace provision and outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and access to training and support for new those who could provide further support business start-ups and development, (Support Delivery Partners). including more focused rural business Lead Delivery Partners: support and digital hubs. ›› Local Authorities Community Action Planning in Callander ›› Landowners and Land Managers ›› Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband ›› National Farmers Union Scotland Rural Development Priority 11.4 ›› Scottish Land & Estates Support Delivery Partners: ›› Enterprise and Skills Agencies Broadband & ›› Business Gateway ›› Community Broadband Scotland Mobile Coverage ›› Scottish Natural Heritage ›› VisitScotland Improving broadband and mobile ›› Zero Waste Scotland coverage/speed via current and emerging investment programmes and community led projects.
81 Outcome 12: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Sustainable Population Population decline is being addressed by attracting Natural A Park Community Health & and retaining more skilled working age and young Capital for All Empowerment Wellbeing people within the National Park and a better range of housing options.
Why is this important? The National Park’s population is both ageing and declining and its changing demographic is influenced by multiple factors. Some areas of the National Park experience rural disadvantage in terms of their seasonal economy, limited access to public services, public transport and employment opportunities.
Ageing population Affordable homes With around 70% of the houses sold The Scottish population as a whole is an We also need more homes in the National being purchased by people from outside ageing one, however within the Park it is the Park to sustain and support our rural the National Park, access to housing is loss of population within the economically economy, as well as meeting communities’ extremely difficult for many local people, active age groups that is creating an housing needs. The popularity of the area younger households and those not able to increasingly imbalanced age profile. We as a place to live, particularly the high afford full market value for a home. While need to make focused efforts to ensure demand for commuting, retirement and our Local Development Plan identifies there are more opportunities for younger second/or holiday homes, makes it one of that an increase in housing in the Park is people and those of working age, to remain the most expensive areas in Scotland to required to address this, there needs to be a and move into the National Park. This purchase a home. continued focus on funding for rural housing includes supporting access to training and and support for infrastructure costs which jobs. Employment forecasts show future are higher within the rural areas. demand for jobs, arising mainly from people leaving the job market due to retirement or other reasons and a supply of skills is needed to enable businesses in the Park to remain sustainable and grow.
82 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Rural Development
Outcome 12: Sustainable Population
Callander Youth Project offers skills and training opportunities for young people
83 Making it happen These are our priorities for action: Rural Development Priority 12.1 Rural Development Priority 12.2 Skills & Training Affordable Housing Identifying and addressing skills and training needs, and provision Facilitating and encouraging investment in more affordable of skills development support (working collaboratively with housing provision, including identifying new delivery models for industry associations, training providers and employers including affordable self-build and private rent options. delivery of the Developing Young Workforce agenda).
Receiving certificates after completing the ‘Cook with Callander Youth Project’ programme Affordable housing in Kilmun
84 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Rural Development
Outcome 12: Sustainable Rural Development Priority 12.3 Population Who can help deliver Priority 12.1 Priority 12.2 Local Services Outcome 12? Priority 12.3 Supporting improved local service delivery and infrastructure, Listed below are partners who have safeguarding rural facilities, including improving public transport committed to helping deliver these links in and around the National Park. outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and those who could provide further support (Support Delivery Partners). Lead Delivery Partners: ›› Local Authorities ›› Housing Associations Support Delivery Partners: ›› Community Planning Partnerships ›› Skills Development Scotland ›› Education Providers ›› Young Scot ›› Community Development Trusts ›› Community Councils ›› Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Community Partnership ›› Local Businesses ›› Scottish Land & Estates ›› Landowners ›› River Forth Fisheries Trust New pontoon in Balmaha © Dave Arcari
85 Outcome 13: Helping to deliver these National Benefits Community Empowerment The Park’s communities are supported to influence and Sustainable Valuing Natural A Park Health & deliver actions that improve their quality of life and place. Economic Nature Capital for All Wellbeing Growth
Why is this important? Our communities are the heart of our National Park. Having active, informed and inclusive communities with the ability to engage in community planning and the planning process, is vital to achieving improved quality of life and place.
Empowering communities However, ongoing support is required from It is important that public services are Engaging actively with planning will help a range of partners to maintain community designed to reflect the needs of the our communities to benefit from the capacity to enable our communities to Park’s rural communities and that there new powers contained in the Community benefit from these new opportunities. is community representation when Empowerment and Land Reform legislation, identifying priorities set out in the Local This is not only good for communities, but as well as the proposed changes to the Outcome Improvement Plans and new also means that this activity can support the Scottish Planning System. These changes Locality Improvement Plans. This brings wider aims and outcomes of the National aim to give people a stronger say and new opportunities for our communities and Park. role in planning their own community having a strong third sector partner in the and potentially include the ability for Improving services National Park Authority and the priorities communities to prepare their own Community Planning Partnerships have set out in this section, should be reflected in ‘Place Plans’. been established for each of the four local these Plans. authority areas that cover the National Park. Communities within the National Park These bring together the key public and already undertake their own local action third sector agencies in order to improve planning work and lead on project delivery. the way local services are provided within Many are very well placed to benefit from local communities and enable greater these emerging new rights, including decision making at local level. community ownership of buildings and land with potential for social enterprises and income generation.
86 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Making it happen Rural These are our priorities for action: Development
Outcome 13: Community Rural Development Priority 13.1 Empowerment Supporting Capacity of Priority 13.1 Community Organisations Supporting communities to maintain good organisational capacity with effective Community Development Trusts and Community Councils actively involved in decision making that influences local service delivery.
Building on Success Callander Landscape Partnership
The Callander Landscape Partnership is a £1.5 million Heritage Lottery Fund Grant Award for a community led partnership project. It will use Callander’s unique position on the Highland Boundary Fault to establish the town as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the National Park’. This will include the creation of visitor interpretation, a cycling and walking network, and training opportunities in the surrounding
The Community Partnership’s annual ‘Gathering’ countryside.
87 Making it happen These are our priorities for action: Rural Development Priority 13.2 Rural Development Priority 13.3 Supporting Supporting Community-led Action Partnership Working Supporting communities, through Local Action Planning, to Supporting communities to work in partnership with others develop and lead on project delivery, village enhancements and to deliver large scale projects with multiple benefits. to own, or share ownership, and manage assets (including income generation and social enterprise opportunities).
Blairmore Landscape Project Supporting community planning
88 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Rural Development Rural Indicators of success Development Outcome 13: Community How will we measure success by 2023? Empowerment
Who can help deliver Outcome 13? Priority 13.1 Number of new homes built and proportion of Priority 13.2 Listed below are partners who have committed to helping deliver these affordable homes outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and those who could provide further Rural 375 homes over the Plan period with a minimum of 25% Development: support (Support Delivery Partners). Indicators of being affordable success Lead Delivery Partners: Support Delivery Partners: ›› Loch Lomond & The Trossachs ›› Development Trust Association Number of projects delivering well-designed, Community Partnership Scotland sustainable places ›› Community Planning Partnerships ›› Social Enterprise agencies ›› Local Authorities ›› Third sector interfaces, support Delivery in 3 communities per year of the Plan ›› Community Development Trusts and funding agencies ›› Community Councils ›› Business Gateway Number of community-identified projects delivered › › Friends of Loch Lomond & Delivery of 3 projects per Community Action Plan by 2023 The Trossachs ›› Paths for All Number of new skills development opportunities ›› Callander Landscape Partnership from projects in the National Park Increase opportunities in the National Park over the Plan period
Affordable housing in Luss
89 Outcomes & priorities - at a glance
Conservation & Visitor Experience Land Management
Outcome 1: Natural Capital Outcome 5: Recreation Opportunities Outcome 7: Visitor Economy The Park’s natural resources are enhanced for The National Park has a wide variety of well The Park’s visitor economy is thriving with more future generations: important habitats are promoted and managed outdoor recreation businesses and organisations working together restored and better connected on a landscape opportunities providing for a range of abilities to create a world-class destination. scale. and interests. Priority 7.1: Growing Tourism Markets Priority 1.1: Habitats Priority 5.1: Path Provision Priority 7.2: Connectivity Priority 1.2: Species Priority 5.2: Path Maintenance Outcome 8: Visitor Management Priority 5.3: Active Travel Outcome 2: Landscape Qualities The most popular parts of the National Park The Park’s special landscape qualities and sense Outcome 6: Water Recreation which experience pressures are managed to of place are conserved and enhanced with more There are more opportunities to enjoy water- ensure that the quality of environment, visitor opportunities to enjoy and experience them. based recreation and sporting activities experience and community life are protected Priority 2.1: Landscape & Heritage across the Park’s lochs, rivers and coasts while and enhanced. maximising safety for all users and protecting Priority 8.1: Visitor Management Outcome 3: Climate Change the quality of water environments. Priority 8.2: Public Transport The natural environment of the Park is better Priority 6.1: Water Facilities managed to help mitigate and address the Priority 6.2: Waterbus Network Outcome 9: Health & Learning impacts of climate change. Priority 6.3: Water Recreation People from a wider range of backgrounds Priority 3.1: Climate Change are enjoying, valuing and helping manage the National Park. It is used more as a place Outcome 4: Land Partnerships for people to realise the personal health and New landscape-scale partnerships deliver wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature. better integrated management of the land and Priority 9.1: Health Improvement water environment providing multiple benefits Priority 9.2: Engagement & Learning for nature and people. Priority 4.1: Integrated Land Management
90 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Outcomes & Priorities - at a glance Rural Development
Outcome 10: Placemaking Outcome 12: Sustainable Population The National Park’s towns, villages and Population decline is being addressed by attracting countryside are enhanced with investment in the and retaining more skilled working age and young built and historic environment, public spaces and people within the National Park and a better range infrastructure. of housing options. Priority 10.1: Improving Towns & Villages Priority 12.1: Skills & Training Priority 10.2: Built Heritage Priority 12.2: Affordable Housing Priority 10.3: Improved Resilience Priority 12.3: Local Services
Outcome 11: Sustainable Growth Outcome 13: Community Empowerment The rural economy has been strengthened The Park’s communities are supported to through sustainable business growth and influence and deliver actions that improve their diversification. quality of life and place. Priority 11.1: Low Carbon Economy Priority 13.1: Supporting Capacity of Community Priority 11.2: Rural Diversification Organisations Priority 11.3: Infrastructure for Business Growth Priority 13.2: Supporting Community-led Action Priority 11.4: Broadband & Mobile Coverage Priority 13.3: Supporting Partnership Working
91 Indicators of success
92 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 1 Area of new woodland 8 Reported public experience of the Park’s settlements and landscapes How will 2000 hectares of woodland expansion Indicators by 2023 Increase in proportion of people of success reporting a good quality experience 2 Area and condition of restored How will we measure we measure peatland 9 Number of volunteers and volunteer hours success? 2000 hectares of restored peatland by success? 2023 Increase by 20% from the 2017/18 baseline by 2023 Key indicators will be used in order to 3 Percentage of designated sites in favourable condition 10 Number of young people having an establish whether the National Park outdoor learning experience in the Increase from 2017 baseline of 76% of National Park Partnership Plan is delivering what it has set designated site features to 80% by 2023 out to achieve and having a positive effect At least 2500 young people per year over 4 Percentage of water bodies the Plan period on the National Park. The Park Authority achieving at least good ecological and its partners will track and report on the condition. 11 Number of new homes built and proportion of affordable homes Indicators of Success. They will provide a Increase from 2016 baseline of 44% to 59% by 2023 375 homes over the Plan period with a regular snapshot of progress and be used minimum of 25% being affordable to continually refine delivery against our 5 Proportion of people travelling to 12 Number of projects delivering outcomes. and around the National Park by public or active transport well-designed, sustainable places › Reduce proportion arriving by car Delivery in 3 communities per year of from 2015/16 Visitor Survey baseline the Plan of 85% › Reduce proportion exploring by car 13 Number of community-identified from 2015/16 Visitor Survey baseline projects delivered of 62% Delivery of 3 projects per Community › Increase proportion exploring by foot, Action Plan by 2023 water and bike from the 2015/16 Visitor Survey 14 Number of new skills development 6 Proportion of people taking part opportunities from projects in the in active recreation National Park Increase from 2015/16 Visitor Survey Increase opportunities in the National baselines of 24% for active sport and Park over the Plan period 49% for low-level walking
7 Overall value of the visitor economy Increase from 2016 STEAM baseline of £340m by 2023
93 In this Plan we use some specialist terminology. Glossary Here is a short glossary to help explain some of the terms.
Term Definition/ Explanation Term Definition/ Explanation Ecosystems/ecosystems An ecosystem is a community of living organisms Natural flood Techniques designed to use natural landscape and services together with the non-living components of their management floodwater processes, rather than hard engineering to environment (things like air, water and mineral soil), techniques reduce the impacts of flooding. interacting as a system. Ecosystems services are the Landscape scale Management at a water catchment area and processes by which the environment produces natural management sub-catchment area scale that has a holistic approach to resources utilised by us all, such as clean air, water, food achieving multiple benefits for society, the environment and raw materials. and the economy. Wild Land Largely semi-natural landscapes that show minimal signs Species isolation Events such as habitat fragmentation or disappearance of human influence based on the 2014 Scottish Natural leading to species being unable to maintain sustainable Heritage map of wild land areas. populations across landscapes. See: www.nature.scot/professional-advice/landscape- change/landscape-policy-and-guidance/landscape- UN Aichi targets Targets within a 2010 international strategic policy-wild-land plan for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Natural capital Natural capital can be defined as the world’s stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and Adaptive ecosystem Management designed to restore degraded ecosystems, all living things. It is from this Natural capital that humans restoration which includes monitoring in order to learn and influence derive a wide range of services, often called ecosystem subsequent management. services, which make human life possible. Designed Landscapes An area of land which has been modified by people for Conservation Management aimed at protecting and enhancing natural primarily aesthetic effect. management and semi-natural ecosystems, including key habitats and Ecosystem restoration The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem species. that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. Placemaking An area where there is a particular focus on improving the Multiple benefits Producing a range of socio-economic and environmental Priority overall public space through design, for example through benefits, such as health, recreation, livelihoods, wildlife. infrastructure and/or aesthetics. Habitat enhancement The process of improving natural habitats for wildlife or Adaptation and mitigation Climate change mitigation addresses the root causes, other benefits. of climate change effects by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation seeks to lower the risks posed by the consequences of Local Development A document that guides development and investment in climatic changes, such as increased flooding. Plan the National Park and used by the National Park Authority to determine planning applications. Integrated land Involves long-term collaboration among different groups management of land managers and stakeholders to achieve their Rural Development Supplementary guidance to the Local Development Plan multiple objectives and expectations within the landscape Frameworks which help guide future development in the countryside for local livelihoods, wildlife, health and well-being. to help support and diversify the rural economy.
94 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Mapping & data source acknowledgements
Glossary
Mapping General Disclaimers Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Open Government data & data The information shown on the maps in this plan is for illustrative purposes only. Maps 2, 3, 4 & 5 - Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature The representation of features or boundaries in which LLTNPA or others Reserves (NNR), Carbon and peatland map (CPt), Wild Land Areas 2014 (WLA), have an interest does not necessarily imply their true positions. For further Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), RAMSAR information please contact the appropriate authority as listed below. Wetlands of International Importance. All maps were produced by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Contains SNH information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Authority for the National Park Partnership Plan in 2018. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2018. For further information please email [email protected] or contact the Original Ordnance Survey (OS) data and OpenData SNH Geographic Information Group on 01463 725 111. 1:25,000 Scale Colour Raster © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100031883 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority data Strategi (OS OpenData) All other mapping data used was created by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority using Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Scale Colour Raster Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2018. and is subject to © Crown copyright. For further information please contact customerservices@ordnancesurvey. © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100031883 co.uk , or Customer Service Centre, Ordnance Survey, Adanac Drive, Southampton, SO16 0AS. www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk Data created by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is not acknowledged specifically as a data source on the maps. Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) Open Government data For further information please contact the National Park GIS team at the Map 1 - Data derived from combination of FCS National Forest Inventory (NFI) National Park HQ – Carrochan, Balloch on [email protected] or and Native Woodland Survey of Scotland (NWSS) datasets. Modified with input 01389 722 600. from NPA officers to show recent native woodland replanting schemes. Data is indicative only and may not be fully representative of actual woodland type. Contains Forestry Commission Scotland information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2018. For further information please contact Mapping & Geodata, Forestry Commission, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 7AT. Tel: 0131 334 0303.
95 Pucks Glen, Cowal
96 | National Park Partnership Plan | 2018 - 2023 Map of the National Park
Inverness
Aberdeen
Fort William Rob Roy’s grave
Dundee
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Stirling National Park Glasgow Edinburgh
Inversnaid Nature Reserve
The Lodge National Park Visitor Centre Inchmahome Priory VisitScotland Information Centre
VisitScotland Information Centre (seasonal opening)
Waterbus service (operates in summer)
Point of interest
Munro (Mountains above 910m/3,000ft) Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park boundary Camping Management Zone
M8 Motorway
A85 Trunk road Loch Lomond Nature A873 Major road Reserve Minor road Killearn Railway/station Ferry/cruises (some operate only in summer)
National Cycle Route 7/ John Muir Way Cycle Path Joh n Muir Argyll Wa y West Loch Lomond Cycle Path Mausoleum West Highland Way Rob Roy Way Three Lochs Way John Muir Way The Cowal Way The Great Trossachs Path
© Crown copyright and database right 2017. © CrownAll rights reserved.copyright Ordnance and S databaseurvey Licence rights number 1000318832018 Ordnance Survey 100031883 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Carrochan, Carrochan Road, Balloch G83 8EG lochlomond-trossachs.org 01389 722600 [email protected]