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Home , Ardgartan, Falls of Falloch, Loch Achray, Loch Ard, Loch Long, Milton of Buchanan

Autumn/Winter 2019 | No. 24

The

The magazine of the Friends of Lomond and the

Autumn Colours in the Park

ALSO INSIDE Park News, Friends Updates, Climate Change Challenge, Nature of the Park and more THIS ISSUE: Chairman’s Introduction

Welcome to this Autumn edition of Voice, which features interesting articles about different aspects of the and The Trossachs National Park with news on recent activities of the Friends and others working to make the Park a better place for people and nature.

As the only independent conservation and this served as a reminder that Trossachs Trail which was the first and heritage charity covering the we collectively need to do more scenic touring route in to National Park, we continue to to introduce young people to the secure special signing as part of a ENJOY FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE strive to make a difference through natural wonders of the National Park comprehensive tourism management Join us for seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients, The finest Scottish seafood, served alongside a splendid campaigning, fundraising and in a variety of engaging ways. Here programme prior to the establishment a fantastic wine list and hand-pulled craft ales. wine list created by expert Matthew Jukes. volunteering activities, working in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs of the National Park. 01436 860420 lochlomondarmshotel.com 01436 860420 luss-seafoodbar.com closely with partners such as the National Park, the National Park Some of our talented trustees spent LOCH LOMOND ARMS HOTEL MAIN ROAD LUSS G83 8NY LUSS SEAFOOD BAR PIER ROAD LUSS SCOTLAND G83 8NY Park Authority, local communities, Authority, with sponsorship from part of the summer writing text and businesses and tourism groups. partners such as Forest Holidays, sourcing photos for an attractively The issue of climate change has been is making some strides forward in designed ‘Explore Loch Lomond’ in the news regularly in recent months connecting youngsters with the great exhibition we have co-sponsored with after record and the outdoors through initiatives such as Loch Lomond Shores. We recently desecration of large tracts of the youth volunteer and junior ranger installed this exhibition in a prominent Amazon as a result of thousands of programmes. location in Loch Lomond Shores forest fires. There were examples of At the Friends we are pleased to be shopping mall at Balloch to showcase climate change impacts here in the playing our part by stepping up our the special qualities of Loch Lomond National Park in early August with funding support for youth outdoor and to encourage more visitors and local residents to venture out and Traffic Design Consultants Email: [email protected] a series of spectacular landslides at recreational activities, for example, 1048 Govan Road, Web: www.traffic-design.co.uk explore the wider Loch Lomond area. , G51 4XS Co. No. SC 210509 the north end of and through Ardroy Outdoor Education Tel: 0141 445 2174 VAT No. 829 372796 in nearby Strathfillan. This resulted Centre and Youth Project. Please enjoy reading this edition of in the of 17 We also have plans to work with youth Voice and hopefully the contents will people from Glengyle and the closure groups in West to inspire you to get out and about in the of the West Railway Line introduce more youngsters to outdoor National Park to enjoy what promises to be a very colourful Autumn. If near with the railway recreational activities in the National Loch Lomond Adventures you are not already a member of the being undermined by heavy rainfall. Park if our bid for funds from the Friends, please consider joining and Logo concepts - Logo option 4 - colour In this edition of Voice John Urquhart, Council’s Year of Young People Legacy supporting our efforts to protect, Suggestion for how colours could look. Subtle colours. Vice-Chairman of the Friends, shares Fund is successful. Some match 5* holiday park on the shores of Loch Lomond provide and promote Scotland’s his thoughts on the scale of climate funding will come from the successful first National Park (see page 20 for change challenges and some of the Friends of OUR park voluntary visitor Book your adventure now at inverbeg.com t. 01436 860 267 [email protected] membership details). impacts in the National Park. giving scheme we operate with A recent social media post issued by tourism businesses throughout the the US National Parks Foundation National Park. All the very best. boldly claimed, “A love of the We are delighted to be working JAMES FRASER outdoors is one of the greatest with partners on a range of projects Chair - Friends of Loch Lomond things you can give your kids” including refreshing the award winning and The Trossachs

The Voice is the magazine of the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, the only independent conservation charity working to protect, promote and provide projects and services for this most Articles published in The Voice do not necessarily precious part of Scotland – The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs represent the views of The Friends of Loch Lomond and National Park. To join us or to find out more about our work please BIKES GUIDED WALKS The Trossachs. Charity No. SC015389 Join us on a visit www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk or use the form inside. magical adventure through KAYAK & CANOE BOAT TICKETS The Voice is printed on 100% recycled paper Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs; Carrochan; Carrochan supporting the re-use of forest resources and the beautiful woodlands SPEEDBOAT CANYONING in accordance with FSC standards only using Road; Balloch G83 8EG around Luss Village WATERSPORTS 4x4 ADVENTURE post-consumer recycled wood and fibre Telephone: 01389 727761 Email: [email protected] Designed and printed by www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk The Inglewood Press Ltd, Alloa, Scotland Cover photo – and Ben A’an in the Trossachs LOCH LOMOND FAERIE TRAIL, LUSS, G83 8PA LUSS CARPARK www.inglewood-press.co.uk www.lochlomondfaerietrail.com WWW.LOCHLOMONDADVENTURES.COM email: [email protected] Cover image by Paul Saunders www.paulsaunders.co.uk

2 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 3 to Inchcaillach Island Ferry FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIEND

Balmaha and

Inchcaillach and Loch Lomond from Lomond Shores, Balloch.

Nestling at the foot of the steep sided Conic Hill and sheltered by Inchcaillach (Nun Island), Balmaha Bay is a scenic gem. Preserving the memory of a Celtic saint, Balmaha’s name LAUDER MONUMENT PROJECT SUCCESS goes back 1,500 years to the days before Scotland emerged as a nation. Its more recentBalloch history as a centre of oak bark VOLUNTEERS processing and whisky smuggling is no less fascinating. The £25,000 package of improvements completed by the Friends Located where the River Leven exits from the southern end A delightful network of walking trails is a magnet for those of Loch Lomond, Balloch has excellent access to the water wanting to experience the very best of Loch Lomond’s stunning and is the loch’s premier resort. scenery. 50,000 Great Trail walkers pass through the village everyBalloch’s year using name the derives path whichfrom the drops Gaelic, down “Bealach” meaning a at the secluded Lauder Monument site south of Strachur late last from the shoulder of Conicpassage Hill orbefore gap. heading up the lochside to and points further north. The passage which BallochExplore commanded was historically one year has resulted in a large increase in visitors to the site over the of the most important routes between Scotland’s Lowlands AND FOREST and Highlands, a strategic fact recognised by the powerful Loch Lomond During spring Inchcailloch Earls of Lennox who in feudal times ruled this area from Island is covered in a blanket of beautiful bluebells. past nine months. The Monument at Invernoaden was originally their castle on the other side of the River Leven, just a few The popular Oak Tree Inn is hundred metres from this spot. a favourite overnight stop for Impressive Vital Statistics! walkers of the West Highland The Tom Weir’s Rest picnic Way. Visitors flock too for the The ancient castle is now long gone, but today Balloch issite is maintained by combination of good Scottish unveiled in 1921 by world famous entertainer Sir Harry Lauder in As well as being beautiful, Loch Lomondconservation is charity, BIG! Friends At 71 squarefood km, and drink and wonderful still an important gateway to LochBalmaha Lomond has an Information and the Scottish Loch Lomond is the largest area ofof Lochfreshwater Lomond & The on the mainlandscenery. Highlands - used by over 2 millionoffice visitors operated everyby Loch year. Trossachs. of the UKLomond and and with The aTrossachs maximum depth of 190 metres and a length ‘The Conic‘ (361m) is a National Park. HOLIDAYS popular 1 hour climb. of 36.4 km. It is the third deepest and the third longest loch in memory of his son, Captain John Lauder who was tragically shot The trail is steep in places, Inchcaillach is an island so take care! Scotland. The loch’s maximum width at the southern end is 6.8 km nature reserve. Follow the summit path for stunning and it narrows down to a like finger at the northern end. views of the loch. Loch Lomond’s normally holds 2.6 million cubic metres of and killed by a sniper in France during the First World War. water and is only exceeded by Loch Ness with 7.4million cubic metres! The loch is a giant water reservoir too and contributes to A delightful place to stroll Old Balloch Station on and picnic, Balloch Park has Central Scotland’s drinking water supply. great views of the loch. The recent improvement project involved creating a new eight- The River Leven is a popular Balloch High Street makes an mooring site for pleasure attractive Visitor Information RECOGNISED Sweeney’s Cruise boats leave Centre just across the road craft. Balloch hosts a number from docks at Balloch Bridge from the modern railway and Lomond Shores. station. Loch Lomond Shores is a of major events including Highland Games, Kiltwalk space car park, along with a new path link, upgrading an existing place to eat, play and shop. Excellent shopping and charity walk and open water attractions at the gateway to swimming competitions. the National Park. steep path with stone steps and safety railings and installing FOR MAKING two story boards and advance signs. As part of the project, the

Luss is a conservation village, Bagpiping in the Square is a Loch Lomond’s islands seen A car park on the The granite sculpture, Get up close to Loch Lomond. with beautiful cottages along summer tradition in . from the summit of Ben a few miles north of Ardlui by Scottish artist Doug Launch your own kayak, or the road to its pier. The event held on Thursday Lomond. gives access to the impressive Cocker, is a focal point for canoe or hire one. Navigate impressive red sandstone monument was also carefully cleaned evenings in July and August is Falls of Falloch. the Ben Lomond National your own course, or better organised by the village and Memorial Park, a woodland still go on a guided tour and loved by its visitors. commemorating Scots who discover some of the hidden laid down their lives during gems of Loch Lomond. A DIFFERENCE Follat Awards 2019 - Group Photo (Pictured L-R Willie Nisbet (NPA), Evie Campbell, Pauline Lynch the Second World War. and the moss and other vegetation that had accumulated over the (Forest Holidays), Mary Haggarty, Laurent Cluster (Forest Holidays), David Thorpe (Ardroy last 30 years was removed. Outdoor Education Centre), Joyce Deans (Follat Trustee), John Urquhart (Follat Vice Chair)

HE FRIENDS have recognised Council, Chair of the local Heritage Group, a others in the local community to marking MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAYS the outstanding voluntary member of the Community Campus Group the Lauder Connections and the T NEW EXPLORE As part of the Friends ongoing commitment to making a difference for the benefit of people and and many other groups trying to improve local completion of the Friends restoration contributions made by two LOCH LOMOND EXHIBITION nature in the National Park the annual series of volunteer days are well underway. A successful day facilities and services for residents and visitors. and improvement project at the Lauder community champions and the was held in partnership with Forest Holidays and the National Park Authority in late April on Loch The Hannah National Park Lifetime Monument, which was erected many years The Friends joined with Loch owners of a long-established self- Lubnaigside to tackle litter removal. A staggering 40 bags of rubbish were collected by volunteers ago in memory of Captain John Lauder Lomond Shores to help fund and install a catering holiday business for their Achievement Award was established by the on the eastern shore of the loch and beside the popular Callander- who was tragically killed in the First new £5,000 exhibition showcasing Loch work making the National Park a Friends in 2015 in honour of its late former cycleway which doubles up as the access to World War a month after his father had Lomond in the busy shopping mall at better place for the benefit of people President. Holiday Lodges. Another MADD volunteer event took place on purchased Glenbranter Estate for him as an Balloch. and nature. Mary said: “I was delighted to receive this 23 September and involved the latest phase of tree and shrub engagement present.” The exhibition content was provided prestigious award from the Friends and it removal alongside stretches of the busy A82 to keep the views of Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, by Friends’ Trustees John Urquhart and came as a complete surprise that my efforts BUSINESS SUPPORTER the loch and Ben Lomond open between Luss and Tarbet. the independent conservation and heritage Paul Saunders who worked over the The last volunteer event of the year is planned for Monday, on behalf of my local community over many OF THE YEAR charity for the National Park area, has summer researching and writing panel 14 November on loch Lomondside and if you are interested years were recognised in this way. Having recognised the outstanding voluntary The Friends also recognised Forest Holidays content. They also sourced some stunning in taking part please contact Carol Lloyd-Tel 01389 727761 or met with Hannah on the volunteer circuit Volunteers gather at contributions made by two long serving with the National Park Business Supporter photography from their own photo email [email protected]. locally over 50 years ago and many times stalwarts of their respective communities as of the Year award in recognition of their libraries to produce a very attractive since I was deeply touched to receive this well as Forest Holidays, who have supported contribution to community projects, litter and informative exhibition designed FUNDING SUPPORT FOR MOUNTAIN PATH REPAIRS a number of practical initiatives to make award in her memory.” volunteering events and sponsorship of youth to encourage the public to explore The Friends raised £10,000 from visitors The Friends is providing the funding through a difference for the benefit of people in engagement initiatives which have enriched VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Loch Lomond and the villages around working with local tourism business to help the pioneering Friends of OUR park visitor Scotland’s first National Park. and empowered the lives of many youngsters The Friends also recognised the efforts of the lochside more fully. As part of the improve a number of heavily used and eroded giving scheme, which involves over 100 living in the National Park. Forest Holidays exhibition there are also some panels At the charity’s recent annual general meeting Strachur woman Evie Campbell who was a mountain paths in the National Park. businesses throughout the Loch Lomond have developed very successful clusters of promoting the work of the Friends and in May, awards were given to Mary Haggarty, District Nurse and Midwife Health Visitor in The funding is being used to support the and The Trossachs National Park collecting high quality self-catering lodges in forest this is complemented by literature stands the long-serving Secretary of Arrochar, Tarbet Cowal for almost 30 years but has also been Mountains and the People project led by the donations from visitors by a variety of means settings at and Strathyre. and a donation point. Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland working in including opt-in donations on overnight and Ardlui and Evie heavily involved in many aspects of community Campbell of Strachur for her contribution to Friends Chairman James Fraser said: “All of James Fraser, Chairman of the Friends partnership with a range of bodies including accommodation and menu items in cafes and life in a voluntary capacity, including the Lauder Cowal connections and Lauder these award winners are fully worthy of said: ‘’We are delighted to be working Loch Lomnd and The Trossachs National Park. restaurants. the Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop and Monument restoration programme over the their recognition and we are grateful for in partnership with the Loch Lomond The project was established to tackle a raft of Strachur Memorial Hall. Evie was particularly last few years. the respective ways in which they have Shores Management Team on this joint mountain path upgrading works with a team recognised for her efforts in recent years helped to make a real difference around the initiative to promote the special qualities consisting of both staff and volunteers. Its coordinating and delivering a memorable HANNAH STIRLING AWARD National Park, whether it is campaigning for of the wider Loch Lomond area and we work has included upgrading 19 paths in the concert in Strachur to mark the Sir Harry Mary, very appropriately, received the Hannah specific improvement projects, supporting have been pleased to provide some Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Lauder and Captain John Lauder connections over the past four years. Stirling National Park Lifetime Achievement youth initiatives, organising local events or grant funding from the Friends as well as with Cowal; and for helping deliver a moving Award in recognition of her hard work, taking part in litter clearance work to keep practical support to make it happen.’’ A number of local business owners who raise ceremony to commemorate the restoration commitment and outstanding service over Scotland’s first National Park beautiful. We Audrey Calder of Loch Lomond Shores funds for the Friends hand over a cheque to and rededication of the Lauder Monument 58 years in a variety of voluntary youth, are always on the lookout for volunteers said:’’ We were looking to improve Tom Wallace, the then Project manager for the at Invernoaden last December, which was a Mountains and the People project community and heritage roles in the Arrochar and businesses to become involved with the the provision of information on Loch flagship Friends project. She received the and Tarbet area. There are very few aspects Friends and anybody interested in doing this Lomond on our busy site and the Friends Gavin Arneil Volunteer of the Year Award. of community life and projects Mary has not in either capacity is welcome to get in touch. readily stepped up to help us deliver the RECENT GRANT AWARDS been involved in through her activities as a Evie said: “I was honoured to receive this We congratulate all of our award winners exhibition which I am confident will prove An impressive amount continues to be raised every year by businesses youth club leader, Secretary of the Community award for my contribution along with many this year and commend their efforts.” to be very popular with our customers. participating in the Friends of OUR park visitor giving scheme and We have appreciated their support and recent awards have included a grant of £5,000 over two years to enthusiasm in helping to deliver such a NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE PROTECTED the Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre charity for their new their high quality exhibition.’’ www.ardroy50.com funding appeal for a new accommodation block. The Friends welcomed the decision James Fraser, Chairman of the Friends said: Funding for the exhibition was provided This will replace an aging existing building that after 50 years of use is by the National Park Authority We are pleased plans for this major development have at long last by the owners of Loch Lomond Shores, no longer fit for purpose. The Centre hosts 3,000 youngsters annually to refuse planning permission been rejected which means the special high value landscape and the proprietors group and a £1,000 on outdoor adventure programmes on the shores of in the Forest Park. for a complex of six buildings for nature conservation qualities of the area that sweeps down to the grant from the Friends of OUR park Other recent grants have included contributions of £800 each to the Callander Youth Project for a programme weddings, functions and overnight southern shores of Loch Lomond near Gartocharn will be protected visitor giving scheme which involves local of outdoor activities for young people in the MacLaren High School catchment area that covers the eastern and accommodation in a particularly from further creeping suburbanisation businesses such as nearby Cameron House northern parts of the National Park and for upgrading the awarding winning Trossachs Trail that showcases the sensitive scenic and nature Trossachs area. The Friends are leading the Trossachs Trail projects with support from local partners including The plans for Wards Estate were submitted several years ago and were encouraging visitors to make donations for conservation area close to Loch the Steamship Sir Ltd who are active participants in the Friends of OUR park visitor giving scheme. subject to a series of reviews and impact assessment studies due to conservation, heritage and access projects Lomond National Nature Reserve. the sensitivity of the site. throughout the National Park. David Thorpe of Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre is pictured receiving a cheque from Friends Trustees Joyce Deans and John Urquhart

4 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 5 FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATE • FRIENDS UPDATEMEMBERSHIP • FRIENDS MATTERS UPDATE •• MEMBERSHIPFRIENDS UPDATE MATTERS • FRIENDS • MEMBERSHIP UPDATE • FRIENDSMATTERS UPDATE • MEMBERSHIP • FRIENDS MATTERS UPDATE • •MEMB FRIEND

Litter Management New Support Officer We’re pleased to welcome Carol Lloyd as our new Support Officer. Carol joins us from Duck Bay on AGM Agenda at an important time, as we strive to step up our Members enjoyed a buffet meal in the splendid surroundings of Ross activities to help make a real difference for the benefit of people and nature in the National Park. Priory overlooking Loch Lomond at a well attended AGM in late Here Carol introduces herself and touches on some May. Following a pleasant annual awards ceremony, with certificates of her early priorities. We are also grateful to Marie and gifts being handed over by Willie Nisbet, Vice-Convenor of the Harvey who stepped into a caretaker role one day National Park, the Friends Chairman, James Fraser gave a presentation a week during the past year and made a great contribution to supporting Despair the work of the Friends. Carol will be working for us three days a week and on the past year’s activities and issues. normally on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Campaign to break deadlock to secure improvements After dealing with the formal AGM business Nik Turner, the National Park’s recently appointed Litter Prevention Manager, gave an I am delighted to join the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs team as their new Support Officer. Having a real passion for protecting our at National Park gateway site stepped up. inspiring talk. Nik really knows her subject and demonstrated she countryside and nature, this was an opportunity not to be missed! meant business with a series of practical initiatives, either planned or After many years visiting a variety of beauty spots within the National underway, to tackle the unacceptable litter situation in the National The future of the popular Duck Bay picnic site and To try and break the deadlock, and to encourage linked to a higher standard of ongoing site Park, my husband and I moved to just over three years ago. It’s Park, which the Friends have campaigned long and hard on for a the associated car parking, at the main southern the Council not to continue with their blinkered maintenance, have met with a very lukewarm fair to say we both absolutely love living here and now spend most of our number of years. This was followed by a lively question and answer entrance point to the National Park where visitors approach to managing this site in a wholly response from the Council which is very weekends walking, camping and exploring various beauty spots around travelling along the busy A82 tourist route get unsatisfactory way while trying to generate as disappointing.’’ session against the backdrop of a stunning sunset over Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. their first glimpse of Loch Lomond, is currently much income from parking, the Cawley family, James Fraser, Chairman of the Friends said: ‘’ The At the AGM, two new Trustees were As Support Officer, I’m really looking forward to working with local being hotly contested with Argyll & Bute Council have repeated and confirmed in writing to situation at Duck Bay, which has been ongoing for appointed. We were pleased to welcome businesses and members to continue the good work already being who are the site owners and managers. In an the Council their very generous offer to take many years now, is a disgrace with no provision Fergus Wood from Ledard Farm and undertaken by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park’s only effort to try and secure improvements, including on, entirely at their expense, responsibility for of public toilets at what is one of the busiest sites former National Park Authority Board independent conservation charity, who for over 40 years have been toilets, and to get controversial parking charge maintaining and improving the picnic area, on the lochside and where visitors get their first member along with Duncan MacLachlan working to protect the area’s environmental quality and heritage, promote it as a most special part of Scotland, and provide for its future through a proposals ditched, the Friends have joined forces removing the unsightly and derelict toilets and opportunity to stop and enjoy the views of Loch from Tarbet who is Chair of the Arrochar range of projects. with the Cawley family, who have owned and replacing them with state of the art modern public Lomond. This also reflects badly on people’s first and Tarbet Development Trust. Philip operated the successful Duck Bay Hotel and toilets with disabled and baby changing facilities impressions of the National Park and those public Aside from supporting all aspects of the running of the charity, I’ll also Norris from stepped down after Restaurant for 35 years, to mount a high profile which they would manage on a daily basis. agencies responsible for providing amenities to be involved in the ‘OUR park’ scheme, a project aimed at enhancing and a number of years of sterling service to lobbying and PR campaign. These much need improvements, and ongoing for the public to enjoy Loch Lomond. conserving the natural and recreational assets by creating opportunities focus on his busy schedule of musical The site, which is managed by Argyll & Bute maintenance of the entire site, would be at no for people and businesses to get actively involved in caring for, learning Council, is generally in a very poor condition with cost whatsoever to the public purse and in return PRAGMATIC OFFER OF SUPPORT commitments. about and making financial and practical contributions to a range of the public toilets that have lain closed and derelict all that the Cawleys are asking is that the Council We very much welcome and strongly support New trustees environmental and recreational projects in the National Park for the benefit for 20 years, old and poorly maintained picnic abandons their proposals to introduce parking the generous and pragmatic offer made by Duncan MacLachlan (above) of all. tables and insufficient litter bins to cope with the charges and the general public are still allowed the Cawley family, who have operated at Duck and Fergus Wood (below) For more information on how you can get involved, you can contact estimated 300,000 visitors who use the site each to park free of charge. Bay for 35 years, to improve and maintain Carol on 01389 727761, or email [email protected] year. Meanwhile, the Council has decided to this popular beauty spot to the high standard introduce parking charges in the existing car park MAJOR HYGIENE ISSUES it deserves at the busiest entry point to the that was built and fully funded by the Cawley Commenting National Park.’’ family many years ago with the agreement of the on the current The Friends previously objected to the Welcome Aboard former Dumbarton District Council and on the situation and his Council’s plans to introduce car parking charges We are pleased to welcome the following new members: understanding this would allow Duck Bay patrons offer, Alan Cawley, at Duck Bay on the grounds they breach A & V. MACKENZIE from Fittleworth Life Members and visitors using the picnic area free use of the Managing Director previous agreements and fail to address traffic parking spaces. of Cawley Hotels management implications properly with the C. MCLEOD from Dundee Life Member said:’’The current inevitable displacement of traffic elsewhere E. MCILROY-HARGROVE from Oklahoma Family Membership PARKING CHARGE PROPOSALS situation is wholly on the lochside. Also the Friends have no C. DARLASTON from Glasgow Individual Member The Council also plans to introduce parking fees unsatisfactory with the pinic area in an appalling confidence the Council will upgrade the picnic C. DESMOND from Birmingham Individual Member along the entire length of the old loop road state and major hygene issues with distressed site and provide much needed public toilets as J. SHAW from Bearsden Individual Member between the picnic area and the lochside which families with young children and other visitors previous attempts over many years to persuade G. STEELE from Bearsden Individual Member could prove to be counterproductive leading in desperation having to go to the toilets in them to do this have failed. G. FERGUSON from Bearsden Individual Member to traffic displacement and chaos at busy times. the bushes around the site due to lack of toilet The Friends are stepping up their campaign J. CRAWFORD from Individual Member It is also feared, as has happened at other sites provision’’ to secure improvements at Duck Bay and to C. LLOYD from Croftamie Individual Member where metered parking has been introduced, He added:’’ To compound matters the Council try and persuade the Council to give serious Mince Pies, that any funds raised will simply go back into wants to charge for parking without any concrete consideration to the proposals submitted by If you are interested in becoming a member please contact Carol the Council’s central coffers with no investment plans to re-invest the funds generated in much the Cawleys which would potentially save the Mulled Wine and Music Lloyd on 01389 727761, or email [email protected] in much need public toilets and other upgraded needed toilets and site improvements. My Council a substantial sum annually while securing facilities at what should be a showcase site at the proposals to address matters and invest heavily a better maintained site with high quality public On Sunday 24th November, 2019 entrance to Scotland’s first National Park. in toilet provision and site improvements, toilets at no cost to the public purse. 2.00pm to 4.30pm Members’ Birthday Celebrations on Sunset Cruise Tickets £8 each. The popular annual members’ The Steamship Sir Walter PILOT ECO TRANSPORT BID FALTERS cruise organised jointly with the Scott was one of the partners As reported in the last edition of Voice, the Friends This ambitious project aimed to test green the music will be provided by involved in the unsuccessful Lennox Literary Society had an submitted a funding bid to the SPEN Green transport alternatives in parts of the National bid to introduce green public added twist this year with three Economy Fund to support two local partners with Park suffering from traffic congestion and high the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir transport links of our members celebrating the delivery of a £300,000 project to introduce two carbon emissions as well as encouraging people To avoid disappointment book early as birthdays with a collective age innovative eco bus and boat transport services in to get out of their cars and enjoy the special the Trossachs and East Loch Lomond, two of the qualities of the National Park. this event is normally a sell out. of 272. busiest areas in the National Park. Perhaps we were wrong in assuming that it is To book tickets contact Carol Lloyd . All enjoyed a summer food hamper and birthday cake as well as the Despite a strong case being put forward and worth piloting alternatives to the motor car excellent music provided by local folk group Hell for Leather who By email [email protected] coming through a very competitive stage 1 in Scotland’s busiest and congested National lived up to their name by providing continuous music during the two- or call 01389 727761) assessment process, the project was turned down Park and all the rhetoric about reducing carbon hour cruise up to the Luss narrows and Balmaha Bay. The wet weather and one of the main reasons cited by the judging emissions by big corporate companies and others Tuesdays-Thursdays didn’t dampen the spirits and the birthday group were presented panel was that they were unconvinced there is simply hot air! with a bottle of the appropriately named Lomond wine by Friends would be a demand for the services planned. Chairman, James Fraser.

6 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 7 NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF •

CALLANDER INFORMATION New Social Enterprise Hub CENTRE SUCCESS “Informative.…motivating…perspective-altering….awesome…inspiring… and thought- provoking” were just some of the words used to describe the new National Park Social Enterprise Following the closure of the former VisitScotland Information Hub’s first event – Growing Enterprising Communities – recently held in the Three Villages Hall Centre in February this year, a community-led collaboration in Arrochar. Over thirty people from across the National Park came together to share their resulted in Callander Visitor Information Centre re-opening at understanding of what it means to be an enterprising community and to find out about the tools weekends in late April and then building up to a seven days a and approaches that could help them develop their own initiatives. week operation over what proved to be a very busy summer Delighted with the turn out and the positive vibe of the day, Lara Moir, the Hub’s Business period with over 15,000 UK and overseas visitors. Jackie Baillie MSP opens the new pontoon Development Manager, described it as a great start for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Social The new community-led visitor information centre has been a Enterprise Hub. She said: “There is a huge value in sharing experiences, challenges and great success and was formally opened by Callander’s 2018 across the community organisations in the National Park and we are looking forward to being able Citizen of the Year, Lesley Hawkins. Three local organisations are to facilitate many more events in the future.” collaborating and providing funding to ensure that this key asset, NEW MARINE FACILITIES Fortunate in having secured funding from Forth Valley and Argyll & the Islands LEADER and a in an area where tourism is such an important industry, can provide FOR ARROCHAR partnership with the Social Enterprise Academy, the programmes are currently being delivered at no information with a human face. Following several years of hard work by the Jetty cost to participants. The Hub aims to support communities to become skilled, resilient, enterprising, The collaboration involves Callander Community Council, Callander Association, a spin off from the Arrochar, Tarbet & Ardlui Community inclusive, independent and self-sustaining by providing learning and networking opportunities. Community Development Trust and the Sir Walter Scott Steamship Council, new marine jetty facilities costing over £100,000 have been The Hub’s next programme is designed for people who may have heard about “social enterprise” Trust from Loch Katrine who have all provided funding, with some installed at the head of Loch Long in Arrochar and they were officially but are not yet sure what it is. Social Enterprise for Beginners will take place in Balloch at the Maid support from the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park opened at a pleasant ceremony in July by local MSP, Jackie Baillie. of the Loch on 28 and 29 October. If you’d like to find out about social enterprise – what it is Authority, VisitScotland and Stirling Council. The new pontoon is 46 metres long with a hammerhead and is aimed and what it’s achieving in your communities - this is the event for you. Learn something, get your Even in an age of digital communication, and contrary to at capitalising more on the beautiful marine asset Loch Long, around questions answered and meet like-minded people in the National Park area. which Arrochar was built. For many years now there has been no VisitScotland’s questionable justification for closing a large Events later in the year will support people involved in community-led organisations to plan for a public moorings at Arrochar and boats often made the long journey Ken pictured in 2016 number of information centres, most visitors welcome face to sustainable future, take on and manage community assets and work effectively within community up Loch Long only to have to turn around and go back down as at the unveiling of Killin footpath signs face interaction, and this has been clearly demonstrated by the action planning. diversity of questions being asked by visitors to the Information there was nowhere for them to moor safely. There is also a couple of moorings for visiting boats. Centre who are looking for local information on where to stay, To receive information about places to go, where to eat and things to do. The funds raised for the new facilities came from many sources BREADALBANE including local businesses and organisations as well as the Hannah the Hub’s future events, Frank Park, chair of the new company set up to run the centre (and Stirling Loch Lomond Charitable Trust, the Garfield Weston please email us and we’ll of the Community Development Trust), said: “We’re grateful to TOURISM Foundation, the National Park Authority and Argyll & Bute Council. add you to our distribution the National Park Authority for their support and encouragement list. Fiona.Paul@lochlomond- STALWART DIES that allows us to share their Callander base at 52-54 Main Street, trossachs.org.uk or phone and to VisitScotland for leaving all their shop fittings. I also want 01389 727762 KEN CHEW, the Chairman and driving to thank all the volunteers who have stepped in with Steamship behind the success of the staff to talk to the many thousands of visitors who have dropped Left: Taking a break during the Breadalbane Tourism Group in the north in since the centre re-opened.” Hub facilitators workshop west corner of the National Park, passed James Fraser, Chief Executive of the Sir Walter Scott Steamship away suddenly after a short illness in Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide some financial, July. For many years Ken was an active logistical and staffing support for this much needed community member of the Destination National led initiative which fills a major void in visitor information provision Green Light Tarbet Forest Paths Summit Park Group and regularly championed in such a strategically important location. It also has a key role to Following some representations by local community Breadalbane tourism issues in the play promoting the town and the wider Trossachs area and major for Community and tourism business groups, including the Friends corridors of power. He also had a very attractions such as the historic Sir Walter Scott Steamship at Loch of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, about the closure ‘hands on’ and practical approach to Woodlands Path fostering tourism locally and led the Katrine.” of family friendly paths in the Tarbet area a special The Cormonachan Woodlands summit meeting and workshop was organised with successful introduction of the popular Stuart Mearns, Director of Planning and Rural Development NEW HOUSING PLANS APPROVED Association recently secured planning senior recreation staff of the new agency Forest and Breadalbane Explorer bus service at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “We are Plans to address the shortage of affordable housing in the National Park consent for their ambitious £300,000 Land Scotland (formerly The Forestry Commission ) which ran for a number of years linking pleased to have been able to support this initiative. The Callander received a welcome boost with the recent approval of major housing project to extend the existing path who own and manage two Forest Parks locally. attractions and destinations along a community has a good track record of delivering projects – it’s schemes in Drymen and Callander. network by another 2km to open A constructive session was held and there is a circular route in West and great to be part of this latest initiative which brings together local As part of a scaled down scheme in Drymen, over a five year period, access to an old village and spectacular commitment to work together to re-instate and alongside Loch Tay and Loch Earn. 88 new houses will be built with 50% being a mix of housing for rent business and the community.” waterfalls with another car park nearby. improve the network of family friendly path in the Friends of Loch Lomond and The and purchase at affordable prices. The developers are required to The new paths will have four stunning Arrochar/Tarbet/Inveruglas corridor which previously Trossachs Chairman, James Fraser, said: Lesley Hawkins cuts the ribbon as Frank Park, double the size of the public car park, improve and extend the local viewpoints overlooking the waterfalls had been developed over 20 years ago in a previous “Ken worked closely with us on several Chair of Callander Community Development Trust looks on. path network, contribute £30,000 to transport initiatives and provide and Loch Goil, adding greatly to the partnership initiative led by the Friends. This is an area projects, including encouraging local funding for an additional primary school classroom. appeal of the Atlantic oak and hazel characterised by very busy trunk roads with two long businesses to participate in the Friends Meanwhile Rural Stirling Housing Association is forging ahead with woodlands between Lochgoilhead and distance paths (Great Trails) converging and providing of OUR park visitor giving scheme and a new 50 unit social housing scheme at Claish Farm on the edge of Carrick Castle as a place to enjoy the a link with the popular West Highland Way. improving local footpaths around Killin. Callander following the recent granting of planning permission by the great outdoors. Ken was a cheery and ‘can do’ character National Park Authority. In the past year the Association has successfully Fundraising efforts and grant who will be sadly missed.” completed and let a block of flats in the town centre and more recently applications are progressing well Ken owned and ran a self- catering has started work on housing developments in Balmaha and Killin. but locally £15,000 in match funding business on the shores of Loch Tay with Ellen Morton, Chair of the National Park’s Planning and Access requires to be secured. If you would Committee said: “The popularity of the National Park as a place to like to make a donation to help support his partner Catherine who continues to live makes it one of the most expensive areas in Scotland to purchase the creation of additional paths you can run the business. She is determined to a home. These developments will deliver much needed high, quality by logging onto- www.cormonachan- continue to keep the business going in affordable housing, whilst still protecting and enhancing the unique woodlands.co.uk. his memory. qualities of the National Park.”

8 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 9 Autumn Colours in the Park THE OAK TREE INN

BALMAHA LOCH LOMOND Autumn is a special time of year in the National Park with the contrasts Muddy Boots Welcome between Highland and Lowland landscapes being shown off at their best in a riot of colour. Here local photographer Paul Saunders captures the special magic of Autumn in the National Park with a selection of his stunning images. The Oak Tree Inn is an award winning pub and restaurant, on the West Highland Way in the beautiful loch side village of Balmaha. Great Scottish food and drink, plus accommodation. Village Shop, St Mocha Coffee Shop & Ice Cream Parlour and loch cruises. Loch Achray Tel: 01360 870357 | Email: [email protected] | www.theoaktreeinn.co.uk

@oaktreeinn theoaktreeinn

COFFEE SHOP & ICE CREAM PARLOUR

Luss Parish Church Kilmaronock Church near Gartocharn Balloch Castle Country Park

Loch Lomond roasted coffee • Teas • Gluten Free & Vegan Cakes & Traybake Lunch menu • Homemade Loch Lomond Ice Cream Open daily in Balmaha + The Station - Just opened in Aberfoyle

www.theoaktreeinn.co.uk - Next to the Oak Tree Inn & Village Shop, Balmaha @LochLomondCoffee @stmochacoffee @thestationaberfoyle Balmaha Bay Church More stunning images of the National Park can be seen on Paul’s website www.seelochlomond.co.uk

10 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 11 A GLOBAL CHALLENGE Friends Vice Chair, John Urquhart, a retired geography teacher sets out the stark realities of the current global climate challenge and the growing impacts on the National Park.

I am sitting writing this article in Helensburgh at 4pm on lands of Siberia, Alaska and Canada, where major fires have the 25th August having been driven inside by the heat. been burning completely out of control, and in a classic case The shade outside is 28˚C. Last week, during a of double feedback, delivering huge additional volumes of thunderstorm, the town experienced localised freak winds carbon dioxide to the already polluted atmosphere while probably caused by a small tornado or micro burst. Two at the same time blackening the land so that it absorbs still weeks ago I was being driven inside by torrential rain. You more heat! might say, “Well, nothing remarkable in all of that - just normal Scottish summer weather!” Amazonia Fires Maybe, but with carbon dioxide levels continuing Also, as I write, the news is of 75,000 fires in Amazonia what seems to be an inexorable rise, the world has and this is just the start of the dry season there. Having just experienced its warmest July ever and, just as encouraged farmers to clear more forest, Brazil’s far climatologists predicted, it is the northern hemisphere right populist President Bolsonaro is now back pedalling, Mudslide sweeps a car off road which is seeing the greatest warming (there is less ocean bizarrely blaming NGOs for causing the fires and saying to mop up and redistribute heat and warming feedback he will send in the army to put them out! At least one High Intensity Rainfall Climate Emergency mechanisms are more prevalent where sea ice cover is good straw in the wind is that president Macron of France already fairly thin and there are large land surfaces to has put the issue firmly on the agenda for the Biarritz The other side of the climatic coin is that warm air is also able The UK and Scottish Governments are now talking of a transfer heat to the atmosphere). G7 summit which started on Saturday, although I am not to hold much more water vapour (itself a greenhouse gas Climate Emergency, although a lot of the measures being proposed by the Scottish Government seem to be more The record breaking temperatures are not only causing holding my breath that much will come of it. even more potent than carbon dioxide!) and this is what has been one of the factors behind the increased number of high geared towards acceptance and adaptation rather than the rapid disappearance of both land and sea ice, but the But what of the National Park? Blocking patterns have intensity rainfall events the Park has seen over recent years. addressing causes. You can see their proposals at www.gov. weakened temperature gradient on either side of the Polar repeatedly affected our own weather recently, but perhaps scot/policies/climate-change/climate-change-adaptation/. front makes for sluggishness in the normal oscillations of because of the relatively moist maritime situation, this The most obvious effects are seen along the A83 the circumpolar jets stream with huge ‘meanders’ becoming summer the Park hasn’t been badly affected by fire, road where engineers have just this month completed major On November 12th the National Park will host an event fixed in ‘blocking patterns’ which allow substantial although there have been a number of fairly alarming works designed to limit damage to the road from repeated reviewing progress on its Partnership Plan which has movements of warm air northwards and cold air south. Both mainly moorland fires recently elsewhere in the UK. The debris flows. encouraged a range of climate change mitigation actions, effects can promote a greater incidence of wild fires as we park did experience a prolonged dry spell earlier this spring including conserving blanket bog peatlands and planting have again seen in Greece, Spain and Portugal this summer and summer which led to near record low water levels in more trees. The Park Authority is to be praised for and perhaps even more worrying, in the Tundra and Taiga Loch Lomond. promoting measures like these because as well as helping

to ‘fix’ C02 they are also good for wildlife and biodiversity. However, while the Partnership Plan will undoubtedly help promote better awareness of climate change, the sobering reality is that the scale is too small to have much impact At Glengyle, debris reached to eaves level on buildings and it was lucky there was no loss of life at global level. Climatologists are united in saying that feedback mechanisms are now beginning to accelerate the This year has seen blocked jet streams repeatedly deliver warming effect. Greta Thunberg and plumes of very warm and moist tropical air with resultant are right - without international effort to quickly cut slow moving thunderstorms causing torrential downpours greenhouse gas build up we are facing an existential crisis. from Winchester to Wick. On the 12th August, it was the But the trouble is that all the necessary remedies are so turn of Loch Katrine when extreme rainfall led to a number unpalatable that, so far, there has been precious little Floodwater from the same event seriously damaged of damaging debris flows in the Strathgartney area along the sign of any major government being prepared to take the West north shore of the loch. The hamlet of Glengyle, famous as the undoubtedly unpopular legislative steps which will be A83-Landslide track in Strathfillan the birthplace of , was particularly badly affected. necessary.

12 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 13 The National Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle but when nature calls, many people are unsure how to ‘do their business’ when there are no facilities nearby. Our ‘What to do when you need to poo’ More affordable campaign saw a series of trials running at popular camping permit areas at Loch Earn, housing on the way the Trossachs and West Loch Lomond. This was supported by in the National Park a bold communications Tackling litter in Two new developments will be bringing campaign to take the embarrassment out of more affordable housing to Loch Lomond something everyone & The Trossachs National Park - one of the the National Park does and share most expensive areas to buy a home in information on how to Scotland. do things responsibly. lans were approved by the National Park While we may not have had the remarkable weather of last year, it’s been Eye catching, awareness raising posters PAuthority’s Planning and Access Committee were displayed at Loch Earn, using the in August for 50 affordable homes to be built on another busy summer season with people from all over the UK and the The nearest public toilets are in or nudge effect to encourage people to do www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/needtopoo land at Claish Farm, Callander. These homes will rest of the world coming to experience our wonderful National Park. the right thing. be managed and owned by Rural Stirling Housing Association. Gordon Watson, Chief Executive, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park At the Three Lochs Forest Drive in the Trossachs, trowels were provided for This is a significant development for Callander, adly during the summer months We also mobilised all National Park campers to borrow with advice on how the National Park’s largest town, as it is the single Swhen visitor numbers are higher we Authority staff to take part in a full to bury their poo in line with the Scottish biggest affordable housing scheme for a number of see a notable increase in the volume day of action focused on litter picks Outdoor Access Code. years. It also represents the first phase within the of litter in the National Park. This is not all around the National Park and Callander South area, which is identified for further Suie Field on West Loch Lomond saw a new issue and is one experienced at discussing ideas for tackling specific growth in future. popular visitor destinations all over elements of this complex issue. the most radical approach with campers Scotland. being asked to “bag it and bin it” as they Plans for the creation of 88 new homes in Drymen, All the ideas gathered from the day would with dog poo. including provision for 44 affordable homes, were Over the last six months we have are being considered alongside also approved in July. stepped up our activities to tackle conversations with our partner The development will bring a number of key litter in the National Park, following organisations and communities and benefits to the area including increased public the appointment of our new Litter used to inform our Litter Strategy. car parking space, improvements to the local path Prevention Manager, Nik Turner. network and open space and a contribution from A key focus is bringing together all of We joined forces with Over the peak summer the developer to sustainable and active transport those who have a role to play in tackling Council to collect 124 bags of roadside initiatives. litter over two days from just a seven months our focus shifted litter to work together so we can have a Ellen Morton, Chair of the National Park’s Planning mile stretch of the A82, one of the onto one particularly sticky greater impact. and Access Committee said: most scenic routes in Scotland. subject relating to litter - During April and May, we ran a series of irresponsible toileting. Campers were provided with a pack including biodegradable poo bags “Creating more affordable housing within the events to remove litter from key sites A series of volunteer events were as well as an outer ‘modesty’ bag with information on how to pack out National Park is a key issue as the area is one of the across the National Park as part of supported carrying out clean ups their waste. A hygienic ‘poo bin’ was installed on site for campers to most expensive places in Scotland to buy a home. Keep Scotland Beautiful’s ‘Spring on the islands of Loch Lomond and drop their used bags into. “Many local people, particularly younger, working age Clean 2019’ campaign. at Arrochar. people and families, are finding it increasingly difficult The response has been positive not only getting people talking and to afford to live and work in the National Park and the sharing information online but campers using the tools we provided need for more affordable housing has been identified and giving us useful feedback. by the community and through consultation on the The trials have provided us with valuable insight into how well Local Development Plan.” different methods of tackling irresponsible toileting work. We’ll be Creating more affordable housing options for young using this to inform our approach to this issue across the National people and families is one of the priorities in the Park in future. National Park Partnership Plan 2018-2023 and is a We’ll also be continuing to work with our partners to inform a longer key target within the Local Development Plan. term, joined up approach to littering in the National Park. These new developments follow a number of other affordable housing developments being delivered www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/needtopoo around the National Park including at Balmaha, Arrochar and Succoth (pictured above) and Luss.

14 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 15 Local historian and literary expert Louis Stott describes one of Scotland’s engineering wonders and the grand opening by Queen Victoria 160 years ago. A Right Royal Occasion THE GLASGOW WATERWORKS AND THE ROYAL OPENING Royal Cottage, Loch Katrine (Author’s Collection)

Glasgow’s water was drawn from wells visited the site during the construction troughs on masonry piers with masonry embankments at each Queen Victoria, accompanied by the Prince Consort, Princess The Stewart of the aqueduct, he stayed at Tigh na end. The longest is the 304m (nearly 1,000 ft.) long aqueduct Fountain, and streams until 1807, when Thomas Alice, and Princess Helena, inaugurated the Loch Katrine Traigh, on the shore of . James bridge at Corrie (NS485957), with one 134.4m long on Castle Kelvingrove Park, Telford and James Watt built a new scheme on 14th October 1859, by opening a sluice near the Glasgow Gale rented, but must have then bought, Burn (NS470988) and three at Couligartan (NN450002) of works at Dalmarnock. However, the river centre of the south bank of the loch at Royal Cottage to allow Daldrishaig, at the foot of Loch Ard 113.4m, 140.8m and 194m in length. Of these, the aqueduct became progressively more unsuitable where he died in 1903. bridges overlooking Loch Ard are the easiest to see. water from the loch to flow into the aqueduct. Water began as a source of potable water, as cholera The first aqueduct is in two parts, the One of the principal objections to the entire scheme was that flowing into Glasgow on the 28th of December 1859. became rife in densely populated areas first 41.5 kilometres (25.7 miles) long, flow in the River Teith would be reduced, so compensation The weather was highly unfavourable. Fortunately, conditions of the city. between Loch Katrine and water was provided by building a masonry dam at the improved during the time of the ceremony and the Queen’s The idea of bringing water by gravity western end of . Reservoir, on the outskirts of Milngavie. inspection, but, after she departed, the storm came on again. from Loch Katrine, 55km away from The second part is a 13km (8 miles) Construction was begun with a ceremony on the ridge The plight of thousands of spectators was pitiable; the coaches the city was suggested as early as aqueduct of twin cast iron pipes from between Loch Katrine and in May 1856, and, 1846 by Lewis Gordon (1815-76), the the reservoir into Glasgow. The 2.4m remarkably enough, finished in three years and six months. and carriages available could not carry even a tenth of those UK’s first professor of engineering. diameter subterranean tunnels are Between 3,000 and 5,000 people were employed on the present, and most of the onlookers had to trudge for miles The project was unlined and have been constructed to a project and there were two large camps, one at the head of over hilly and almost impassable roads before they reached a further developed flat gradient of 158mm per km (about Loch Chon and the other on Drymen Muir. At the camps were point where transport could be secured. However, not even the by others, including provision stores, reading-rooms, a school-house and a church; 10 inches per mile). All the boring had to appalling weather conditions could dampen the enthusiasm John F. Bateman, be done by hand as there were then no a resident medical man and school-master were provided. with which they hailed this memorable occasion. the renowned pneumatic tools. Medical provision was available at Frenich, between Loch Details were given in the local papers of the various routes by NE OF THE MOST striking nineteenth century The second longest of the 70 tunnels, Chon and Loch Katrine, where a Dr Blackwood was based, monuments in Glasgow is water engineer, next to Loch Katrine, lies 183 m (600 while at Drymen Alexander Clarke, a young minister, was which dignitaries would arrive at the remote spot chosen for whose views were employed to run a school and provide religious services. the French gothic fountain in ft) below the summit of a hill. It was the opening. One of these routes was, of course, from Stirling O supported by both Robert Stephenson worked from 12 shafts. The rock is via Aberfoyle and Loch Ard. ‘Royal Cottage’, then called the Kelvingrove Park dedicated to Robert and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. gneiss and mica slate. About 60 drills Stewart (1810-66), Lord Provost from Commissioners’ Cottage, was refurbished for the occasion, The scheme was approved by the were constantly in use at each face and 1851 to 1855. It commemorates the and to look at it, one might suppose that the party were to Glasgow Corporation Water Works Act on average a fresh drill was required completion of the first part of the stay at the house for at least a week. In fact, they had lunch in 1855; thereafter John F. Bateman for every 25mm gained in depth. There Glasgow Corporation Water Works (1810-1889) designed and constructed are 25 substantial iron and masonry there. The weather was appalling with thick mist and heavy Scheme, which supplied the city with the works. James M. Gale assisted aqueduct bridges, up to 24m in height rain. There was an address from the bailies of Glasgow, and fresh drinking water from Loch Katrine. him and was responsible for the and 27.4m in span, crossing the deep the Queen responded, saying, in effect, that she was pleased The fountain was erected in 1871 to rearrangement and redistribution of valleys of the Duchray, the Endrick and to be associated with any scheme to reduce the number of her the pipework within the city. Gale later “The Teapot” [Author’s Collection] acknowledge Stewart as the driving the Blane. A typical example is the subjects who were unwashed. The proceedings concluded with, became Chief Engineer to the Glasgow bridge over the Duchray. This three- force behind it. The imagery on the as the Stirling Journal put it, ‘a long prayer’ from a Glasgow Corporation Waterworks and was to play span aqueduct bridge consists of a At the camp at the head of Loch Chon, nicknamed Sebastopol fountain relates to the Trossachs, minister. It was not until 1869 that Queen Victoria saw Loch a part in the supply of water to Glasgow rectangular cast iron tube about 2.5m because of the incessant blasting, reminiscent of the Crimean particularly to Scott’s poem, The Lady War, Alexander Blair provided a beer hut. Early on he was for 45 years. Though the scheme has high and 2m wide. The tube contains Katrine under favourable conditions. chided for selling spirit. He claimed that he was innocent, of the Lake. For example, the topmost been augmented and improved over two cast iron pipes, one above the other. but that several illicit distilleries existed. The most famous figure represents the heroine of the the years, the original structures remain Of the other bridges, the five principal shebeen was in a cottage on the road to Loch Chon, known as poem, Ellen Douglas. in continual use. When John Bateman ones consist of cast and wrought iron the Teapot. It was so named as every time the Excise raided , it was said that they found the occupants quietly drinking tea. Regrettably the cottage was unrecognisably rebuilt in recent years.

Louis Stott was born in Brighton in 1934 and now lives in Aberfoyle. He is the author of a number of books on Scottish history and literature, including Smollett’s Scotland, two volumes on Robert Louis Shafts marking the tunnel between Loch Couligartan Aqueduct Bridge No. 2 Stevenson, The Enchantment of the Trossachs, Katrine and Loch Chon [Image: Ronnie Leask] [Author’s Collection] Literary Loch Lomond and The Waterfalls of Scotland.

16 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 17 Aberfoyle’s “New” Main Street Attractions

So, what’s changed? Well not the iconic WHERE NEW MEETS OLD view of Ben Lomond or the Victorian The collection of new and old shops MAGGIE’S KITCHEN By the time you read this slate buildings. It’s the arrival of a provides a colourful look to Main Next door you will find Maggie, Aberfoyle may have been number of new shops to its Main Street, Street, a welcome replacement to hard at work in her kitchen making crowned 2019 Rising Star in the and as soon as you meet their owners ‘for sale’ signs on empty buildings. jams and shortbread. If you want Great British High Street awards. you can tell that they mean business. It’s good to see that the community evidence of the popularity of her It may be a cliché, but just being Many of the buildings that they are in are working positively together, shop have a look through the guest nominated is a prize to celebrate have been empty and neglected for an example of this is the decision book. People from all over the for the Trossachs village. There’s years, needing extensive building works for many to use the same artist world leaving positive comments. a new look to Main Street, which to get them back open. to produce hand-painted signs. One mother and daughter visiting is proving to be popular with Walking along Main Street you can now There is quality, continuity, but from Pennsylvania were even visitors. The positive changes imagine many of Scotland’s towns and individuality. Surely what we all love inspired to start up a similar shop haven’t gone unnoticed by villages being envious of the quality of about village centre shops? when they returned home! the media, with a double page the shops. There’s the recent addition The aroma of success Paul Saunders, a This was an interesting time to visit feature in the Herald Newspaper of Aberfoyle Bike Hire, a brightly the new shops. I wanted to see trustee of the Friends of in June and more recently a coloured gift shop called Walter & Betty, how successful their first summer of THE STATION visit by BBC Radio Scotland, all The Station Coffee Shop, Intrepid and Loch Lomond and The trading has been. Although, some The Station is a St Mocha Coffee helping to promote the latest Maggie’s Aberfoyle Kitchen. had taken the opportunity to test Shop, built and run by brothers Trossachs writes about the resurgence of Aberfoyle. Whilst celebrating these new arrivals, it’s their products with ‘pop-up’ shops Stuart and David Fraser. They have also worth paying tribute to the hard- resurgence of the Main during the previous summer. taken their popular coffee brand in working other proprietors and landlords. First stop, Walter & Betty a shop Balmaha and introduced a unique Street in this Trossachs Liz MacGregor’s Coffee Shop, The that you can’t miss thanks its bright version for Aberfoyle. Their Loch Forth Inn, Faeirie Tree Inn, Aberfoyle yellow walls. Jane Fifield runs her Lomond Coffee Co is the first and gateway village. Homemade delights Inn, The Wee Tablet Shop, Aberfoyle gift shop with incredible energy and only coffee roasting facility in Loch Delicatessen & Trossachs Butcher, Post enthusiasm. Walter, an Aberfoyle Lomond. Its symbol is a red squirrel, Office, Scottish Wool Centre, Aberfoyle resident of the past, apparently and true to the generous nature The sign at the entrance of the Visitor Centre and Co-op have all traded appeared in the Rob Roy film and of the family they are supporting village welcomes you to the in extremely challenging times, including with kilt and long grey beard is now conservation of these beautiful Gateway of the Trossachs. Some periods of flooding in the village the pin-up icon of the shop. You can animals through donations to the argue that an even better title . buy postcards and posters of the Friends of Loch Lomond & The would be ‘Scotland’s Fairy Capital’. dashing gentleman that inspired the Trossachs. An Aberfoyle minister in the 1600’s shop name Their coffee shop is in the old Robert Kirk claimed that Doon . Station buildings, with the Frasers Hill was gateway to a world of blending a contemporary feel with fairies. Today Angela Ballard has a a nod to the heritage of Aberfoyle, workshop in Maggie’s where she thanks to memorabilia and classic creates and sells beautiful hand old photographs on the walls. It was crafted faerie gifts. . of course the arrival of the railway that had led to a previous heyday of the village. This is just one chapter in Speciality coffee, homemade ice the Aberfoyle regeneration cream, vegan and gluten free cakes story. Throughout the village, can be enjoyed whilst playing a classic Space Invaders game of and Strathard as a whole, the 1980’s. For a donation to the the community is pulling Friends they’ll give you some old 10 together. pence pieces to play the games of We look forward to writing many of our childhoods. more about their success Jane Fifield welcomes you to Walter & Betty stories in future editions.

18 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 19 us NOWJoin Eco Tourism in the National Park Jared Bowers, who has led the Friends eco-tourism project aimed at encouraging tourism businesses to make more of special natural qualities of the National Park, reflects on the progress made.

Glamping Potential Ecotourism Project Delivery The next series of seminars were held in Other activities included direct development 2018 and were aimed at any individual or work with local businesses, such as creating an organisation interested in setting up a small educational booklet for Cruise Loch Lomond, to medium sized glamping business. Created and working with community groups like in response to the rapidly growing popularity the Loch Long Jetty Association where we of the industry and the stunning potential provided support in their successful work within the National Park, the workshops were to acquire a new pontoon. Another major the first of their kind to be held in the area, project that was successfully completed under which was evident in the shortage of similar the ecotourism umbrella was the restoration types of accommodation. Led by renowned of the Lauder Memorial in Cowal. Grants glamping expert Kate Morel, an industry were secured through the Scottish Landfill Help us make a difference The beauty and sheer diversity of specialist who is also an author, speaker and Communities Fund and saw the creation landscapes are at the heart of the business advisor in the sector, the popular of a new car park and path leading up the tourist appeal of Loch Lomond and seminars provided very practical insights into memorial, the The Trossachs National Park and the the glamping industry and subsequently a cleaning of great number of new glamping businesses the memorial Clyde Sea Lochs. During the past have emerged locally. Guides were produced and painting two years, the ecotourism project, and nurturing and distributed to seminar participants and of perimeter Protecting which was funded through Scottish were also made available online. fence and the Enterprise, aimed to raise awareness the special qualities of Last year we organised and ran a National installation of new of this and work with businesses Park Tourism Conference based at the storyboards and on how to sustainably capitalise on National Park HQ offices in Balloch. The signage. the National Park. these outstanding resources and theme was ‘The Next 5 Years – Growing Lastly, several ‘Make a Difference Day’ the ecotourism potential on their Sustainable Tourism Businesses’, which volunteer events were organised and held doorstep. focused on a mixture of relevant topics across the National Park which involved litter including the National Park Authority’s picks, cleaning scenic viewpoints and allowed One of the methods this was accomplished Partnership Plan and tourism priorities, the Friends to work with partners from the was through a series of successful seminars. Promoting and celebrating growth opportunities within the visitor private and public sector. The first in 2017 was developed in partnership experience and using sustainability as a The ecotourism project was very successful with Dr Kathy Velander, Director of the Centre the natural and cultural driver for progress and visitor satisfaction. at raising awareness of its potential in the for Ecotourism and Wildlife Management at Guest speakers included representatives National Park and encouraging businesses Edinburgh Napier University. They were held from the Friends, the National Park to create and promote outdoor activities heritage of the National Park. in different locations around the National Park Authority, VisitScotland, Cumbria Tourism amongst the stunning landscapes of the and were themed around the general concept and case studies from local businesses. The area. However, the project also emphasised of ecotourism and the benefits it can have event was very well attended and brought the collective responsibility we all have in on a business. Open to anyone interested in multiple stakeholders together to discuss the looking after our special destination and the the subject, the seminars provided practical importance of sustainability and how we can fundamental importance that sustainability Providing support for tips on how to promote local ecotourism work individually and together to sustainably will play in the future of the National Park experiences to visitors to enhance and grow tourism in the next five years. and Scotland in general. projects to make the extend their stay and how to capitalise on the National Park a better place ecotourism potential in the area. for people and nature.

Working for people and nature in Scotland’s first National Park Scottish Charities Registered SC015389 Find out more at: www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

20 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 21 Nature of the Park Summer’s End Brings Autumn’s Colours

fter what has been a remarkably warm, damp and productive But as colourful October dawns, there is a in an inkling. Then they may resort to visiting coming together. However, all is not sweetness farmers’ fields e to seek out a plethora of summer, one in which I have seen more young fledglings than and light, for soon the hinds will be coming into invertebrates. for many a year together with a plethora of butterflies, not season and the stags are now beginning to vie It may come as a surprise to some, that also A with each other for the possession of harems of joining this aerial trek across the North Sea are to mention bees, we approach autumn and winter with a heightened hinds. There are few events in the yearly cycle woodcock, short-eared owls and tiny goldcrests, degree of optimism. The butterflies and bees, as vital pollinators, have of life in the Park to surpass the sheer majesty to name but a few, coming from Scandinavia and been especially welcome. The productivity we have seen seems to fly of the master stags and the drama of the red Easter Europe. All of them make the journey deer rut. The stags roar and my, how they roar! in the face of all the doom and gloom connected with global warming. as a means of escaping the keen frosts that Cackling of Geese It is a sonorous, deep-bellied roar that clearly seize up their food supplies at home. Thus, they The seasons pass as they always have done and as nature prepares challenges. In an effort to make themselves seek solace in our temperate climate, warmed herself for the shorter days that lie ahead, we can look forward to that If, therefore, there appears to be an absence even more imposing, stags will cover as we are by the Gulf Stream. Of course, it of bird-song, soon our skies will echo to the themselves with peat and mud and the roars is impossible to discern between our native final burst of golden colour that characterises autumn in the Loch wild cackling of incoming geese, also migrating increase in volume. The rivalry also intensifies woodcocks, short-eared owls and goldcrests but not away from these shores but instead Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. Thus comes the final flourish, until you could almost cut the air with a knife! and the in-comers but populations of these preparing to spend autumn and winter here. Some of the areas where these events occur and many other species of birds are swollen by the grand finale of the year with rich, vibrant colours enriching The first of these migrating geese generally may have been used for many long years. They these ‘Viking Raiders’. Starlings from Eastern these stunning landscapes before our deciduous trees finally shed all arrive in mid-September in the shape of Pink- are called ‘stances’ and the field of rivalry will Europe also arrive here in large flocks which footed geese flying in from the far north, contain only those animals which have reached their clothes, their skeletal shapes an intriguing mixture of amazing, sometimes come together to form even larger Iceland, Greenland and some from further east ‘master stag’ rank. Younger stags are soon sent flocks and pattern our skies dramatically with natural designs. in the Arctic. The early arrivals are usually those packing and must content themselves with roles their fantastic murmurations. that have not bred this year, however, they on the periphery. Sometimes, whilst the master Meanwhile, many of our sedentary animals are It is of course, a time of great transition, Some summer visitors of course, stay with are merely the vanguard for the main body of stags are so pre-occupied by their hot blooded going about their business as usual. Squirrels a time when our bird populations change. us until October. House martins often Pink-feet, which arrive in October. These are the rivalries, you may see young stags combining as don’t hibernate, as some perhaps believe, and Some – the summer migrants – leave produce three broods of young in a year families of adult geese and their goslings and pairs to cut out a hind or two from a master’s as the leaves fall are perhaps marginally easier whilst others arrive from the north and and so must remain until the last brood is they certainly announce their presence noisily. harem. By and large however, the really intense to see. Of course, autumn is the time for their east. There were those that departed fully-fledged and ready to take off on that Indeed, the clamour of geese somehow makes rivalry is between those master stags. They Keith Graham writes about the rich harvest with the establishment of stores of almost with indecent haste. The cuckoos, epic flight back to the Dark Continent. our wild landscape seem even wilder, perhaps roar and rivals respond. You may see two well- nuts and seeds gathered to see them through variety of wildlife in the National Park which only arrived last May, were mostly Swallows too may sometimes linger if reminiscent of those far away Arctic breeding matched masters first marching side by side, grounds. sizing each other up, before suddenly they turn the winter. Once upon a time, much of the gone before July was out leaving the conditions are such that there remain and how different species adjust to the Also among the autumnal arrivals in the Park are and come together with a mighty, very audible southern half of the park was dominated by rearing of the next generation of cuckoos plenty of flying insects to feed on. Most of Greenland White-fronted geese, grey like the clash of antlers. Each pushes, striving to gain grey squirrels but an influx of pine marten, to the hard-working foster parents. Also the migrants rely on insects for food and changing seasons. Pink-feet but identified by the prominent white an advantage and in many cases, the contact is now widely distributed across the Park, has gone halfway through August were as autumn then winter descend, insect life blaze on the forehead. It is to the southern relatively brief. Usually one will acknowledge seen grey squirrel numbers swiftly decline. This the ‘devil screamers’, the swifts which retreats and to all intents and purposes reaches of Loch Lomond in particular that the superiority of its rival, accept defeat and in turn has led to a resurgence in red squirrel bombard village rooftops with their disappear, leaving insect eating birds with these White-fronted geese come, whereas the turn away, often given a rake across its flank as numbers. hurtling flight and wild screaming. Already no choice but to move southward, again Pink-feet are more widely distributed. These it flees. Another battle is won! Many folk also think that badgers hibernate. they will be in Africa. to Africa’s insect ridden shores. inwardly migrating birds animate the skies very But two well-matched stags may battle on They don’t either, albeit that badgers feed up vocally, whereas the stately Whooper swans, for hours. Meanwhile, the hinds, which have during autumn, laying down reserves of body The stags which usually begin to arrive at various locations been gathered by each master stag - his harem fat. If there are bad spells of weather, Brock during October, bring a rather softer tone with - graze on apparently unconcerned. There is may well remain tucked up in his underground their fluted vocalisation and less garrulous much huffing and puffing, much bellowing, sett for days on end relying on those fat roar and my, moods. Swans and geese are among the real much posturing, much angst. But eventually reserves. The only hibernating mammals are high flyers, having been recorded on their rivalries are resolved and the status – the place hedgehogs and bats although of course reptiles, migratory flights from Iceland at altitudes of in the pecking order - of each master stag such as our adders and lizards, will also sleep how they roar! 30,000 feet by airline pilots! established. Usually these epic events occur on through the winter. Whilst many might believe that as autumn hillsides in the glens but increasingly these days In no time at all we will have reached another merges with winter, nature is shutting down, in red deer are re-colonising lowland woods so year’s end, but with the start of a fresh year fact this ending is also a beginning. The red and that such conflict and bravado is being played there is a new beginning. There will have been golden leaves may be dying but they are the out in both Highland and lowland parts of the some bird-song maintained by redbreast and his raw materials from which new life will emerge Park. Red deer stags greet the declining year alleged mate, jenny wren but now as we pass next spring. The clouds of floating, breeze- with displays, which can sound dramatic in the the winter solstice, days start imperceptibly driven seeds of the likes of thistles, rosebay extreme and look like very raw conflict of the to get longer rather than shorter. Before long, willow-herb and dandelions will also randomly most basic nature - which it is! the robin and the wren are joined by other seek pastures new to colonise, settling in late new songsters and so in early January, is often summer and early autumn in new sites and then Scandinavian Thrushes heard the first Great Tit hymn to the New Year bedding down to spring into new life quite early Geese and swans are not the only immigrants and the lengthening days. ‘Tea-cher, tea-cher, in the New Year. seeking to spend their winters here in Scotland. tea-cher …’ echoes far across the landscape. Red Deer Rut Shortening days and encroaching winter forces Although it may not always seem so, a message many Scandinavian and eastern European birds that winter is slowly in retreat. Soon the mellow There is certainly new life created during to translocate. In October, mixed flocks of fluting of blackbirds will be heard and perhaps October and November. Red deer, our largest fieldfares and redwings cross the North Sea, the repetitive song of the thrush. Nature is land mammals, begin to get quite edgy as rampaging across our landscape, seeking out waking and galvanising itself. If as yet unseen, September gives way to October. Throughout berries. This year’s crop is better than ever and new life is striving to burst forth. At last after the summer months, the stags and hinds have these Scandinavian thrushes will show their winter’s lethargy, new life in all its many varied lived apart, forming their own single-sex herds. avarice by stripping trees bare of their berries forms, is already stirring. Spring is on the way!

22 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 23 A WALK IN THE PARK PUCK’S GLEN In this the fourth of a series of articles covering some of the best short walks in the National Park, Friends Vice Chair, John Urquhart, revisits Puck’s Glen at the south-west corner of the National Park.

Massive Trunks Primordial And the trees are magnificent - massive And yet despite all the bridges and the trunks of Douglas fir, Japanese larch and engineering, the place has a primordial Lawson cypress rise from writhing roots feel, especially in the dull light of a rainy which grip and penetrate the fissures in winter day when water tumbles, gushes, Located in Stratheck just inside the the wet rock. They were planted around streams and drips and interlocking spurs National Park boundary in Cowal, I never the 1870s when the Benmore estate was of grey rock merge in a misty tracery of tire of this walk and find myself drawn bought by the wealthy sugar refiner and branches above. to its green and shady recesses at least philanthropist, James Duncan. Set on a warming coffee or rewarding once a year. It is a well known route With late Victorian romanticism and lunch at their excellent tearoom, we made still more popular by websites fern frenzy in full swing, Duncan was usually park at the entrance to Benmore like Walk Highlands, which accurately clearly captivated by the place and Botanic Garden, but there is also a describes it as: it was he who had the six bridges Forestry and Land Scotland car park “ Deservedly the most popular built criss-crossing the Eas Mor (big where the old road joins the A815, 500 short walk in the region, a waterfall) burn to link sections of trail metres south of Puck’s Glen. I have cut and blasted into the shiny ‘schistose’ shown a basic round of the trails which DAILY CRUISES PRIVATE CHARTER WATERBUS dark and atmospheric defile. A rock on either side of the canyon. On gives a 4.5k walk with only 174m of tumbling burn, criss-crossed by steeper parts, engineered steps rise ascent easily completed in an hour or bridges, is enclosed by rocky beside the plunging waterfalls – and all so. But then, just next door, there is walls heavily hung with mosses about a yard and a half wide - enough the extensive network of paths in the and overshadowed by trees.” apparently for strolling crinoline clad magnificent Benmore Botanic Garden, ladies! The original bridges have long where you can walk and admire the gone, to be replaced by the modern shrubs and trees all day, if you have spans maintained by Forestry and Land the time. The black dots show a circular Scotland who now own large swathes of tour of 3.9 miles and 92 m of ascent Stratheck. encompassing most of Benmore’s many points of interest.

SWEENEYSCRUISECO.COM E: [email protected] T: 01389 752376

24 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 25 Foundation Supporters £500 MINIMUM • CAMERON HOUSE • LOCHS & GLENS HOLIDAYS • LOCH KATRINE Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire, G83 8QZ School Road, Gartocharn, G83 8RW Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, By Callander, Tel: 01389 755 565 Fax: 01389 713 281 Tel: 01389 713 713 Stirling FK17 8HZ www.cameronhouse.co.uk email: [email protected] Information and Reservations - (01877) 332000 A magnificent baronial mansion surrounded by 100 www.lochsandglens.com www.lochkatrine.com acres of woodland, Cameron House on Loch Lomond, Lochs & Glens Holidays are proud to support the Friends Loch Katrine - a special experience for everyone to enjoy. blends traditional Scottish influences with sumptuous of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs contemporary décor to offer guests a memorable stay Cruising Loch Katrine in the heart of The Trossachs is a in the finest surroundings. This is your lochside Baronial • LODGE ON LOCH LOMOND HOTEL special experience - on the classic steamship ‘Sir Walter mansion and much more with our Carrick resort our 18- Luss, Argyll, G83 8PA Scott’, or on ‘Lady of the Lake’. Visitor amenities include hole championship golf course and luxury spa. lochside walks, shopping, cycle hire and Katrine Café. Tel: 01436 860 201 Fax: 01436 860 203 Cruises depart daily year round subject to weather and • TIGH MOR TROSSACHS email: [email protected] demand.. Telephone: 0800 2300391 www.loch-lomond.co.uk www.hpb-trossachs.co.uk The 4-star Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel has a unique • LUSS ESTATES Tigh Mor Trossachs is the Scottish flagship of the Holiday lochside setting. It offers stylish accommodation, some Luss Estates Company, Arnburn Arden Property Bond (www.hpb.co.uk). It was formerly the with en-suite saunas and private balconies, Colquhoun’s, a Argyll, G83 8RH 2 AA rosette restaurant with panoramic views of the Loch Trossachs Hotel which by 1990 had fallen into a state of email: [email protected] disrepair. Tigh Mor was completely renovated in 1992 and mountains and leisure facilities with swimming pool. www.lussestates.co.uk and now has 76 properties, an indoor swimming pool and • LOVE LOCH LOMOND extensive leisure facilities. One of Scotland’s greatest Estates, spanning 40,000+ acres Saturday 2nd November email: [email protected] and eight centuries of continuous ownership by the family • OPTICAL EXPRESS & MOULSDALE www.lovelochlomond.com of Colquhoun of Luss. Today we combine farming, forestry, FOUNDATION Love Loch Lomond is a recently formed industry led tourism, property and power generation - protecting, Telephone: 0800 023 20 20 Destination Organisation that operates in the Loch preserving and developing the estate to enrich and ensure email: [email protected] Lomond, Strathendrick, and the future of the land, resources, villages, communities and The Steamship Sir Walter Scott www.opticalexpress.com Clyde Sea Lochs areas. It is dedicated to working on people which are at our heart. a collaborative basis to capitalise on the area’s strong D is fully wheelchair friendly The Moulsdale Foundation & Optical Express are proud tourism potential. to support the Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. • ARGYLL HOLIDAYS For 35 years, the friends have been working to protect the • ARDOCH Lochgoilhead PA24 8AD 08454596412 area’s environmental heritage, promote it as a most special Gartocharn G83 8ND 01389 710401 www.argyllholidays.com part of Scotland, and provide for its future through a range of projects for people and for wildlife. email: [email protected] The Campbell family have developed quality holiday www.ardoch-scotland.com parks and hotels in seven stunning scenic locations in Argyll with a number in, or close to, the National Park. • ROSS PRIORY Ardoch is an exceptional venue for business seminars and Gartocharn G83 8NL 0141 548 3565 family reunions. There are18 bedrooms and numerous They are all easily accessible and just within an hour from Ross Priory, on the banks of Loch Lomond, the Staff meeting rooms in a mix of traditional and contemporary Glasgow. As part of their growing emphasis on green Educational and Recreational Centre of the University spaces most of which overlook Loch Lomond. Hire Ardoch and active holidays, Argyll Holidays are delighted to be of Strathclyde, is proud to support the Friends of Loch on an exclusive basis and be assured of total privacy. supporting the work of the Friends of Loch Lomond and Lomond & The Trossachs. Phone Luke for details. The Trossachs.

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26 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019 www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.ukLoch Katrine Voice advert September 2019.indd 1 26/08/2019 09:0927

Home of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott 28 The Voice - Autumn/Winter 2019