Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

In 2002 Balfron Community Council, with the support of majority local opinion, submitted a very strong case for the Strathendrick and Strathblane areas to be included in the National Park.

However, despite it being included in the original proposals for the park and despite the strength of the case, the decision was taken to exclude the areas.  Balfron Community Council did not ever receive an adequate response to its case for inclusion, in spite of letters to the Scottish Executive.

Mike Russell, MSP – Minister for Environment – is conducting a review of the National Parks in Scotland including the appropriateness of their boundaries.

The Chairman of the previous Balfron Community Council, Mike Stone, has written to the Minister requesting that inclusion of the upper Endrick and Blane Valleys within the National Park be reconsidered as part of that review.  Mike has received a reply which mentions that the Minister would expect to see public support for inclusion.

Balfron Community Futures Development Trust has written to the Minister and (the present) Balfron Community Council is in the process of reaffirming its 2001 commitment to the area’s inclusion.

EVAG has also written requesting that the area be included and a copy of the letter is attached, together with a summary, prepared by Mike Stone, of the original case for inclusion and demonstrating how the vulnerability of the area has become clearer in the years since the park was formed.  My own letter is attached, too.

This is a golden opportunity to further inform the politicians of the community’s desire to protect its landscape and environment and to do our utmost to ensure that inappropriate developments don’t see the light of day.

Letters should be sent to

Michael Russell, MSP

Minister for Environment

Scottish Government

Area 3F-95

Victoria Quay

Leith

Edinburgh EH6 6QQ

You will see that, on the EVAG letter, I have sent copies to Bruce Crawford,  Anne McGuire, and the three Councillors and  have also made them aware that I am writing to everyone on the databases. I don't think it's vital, this time, for politicians to be copied in; if you would prefer to e mail me to say that a letter has gone to the Minister, I am quite happy to keep a log and  forward it to them.