PLANS to introduce a bylaw that would ban wild camping in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park came one step closer yesterday as the park authority’s board passed the proposals.
Campaigners against the plan have promised to take their opposition to the Scottish Government.
The plans were developed to deal with problems caused by campers behaving irresponsibly by littering, cutting down trees for firewood, leaving tents, and camping for whole summers in laybys. Opponents believe the plans will punish the majority for the behaviour of a minority.
Park board convenor Linda McKay said the ban was vital.
“The board was unanimous in its decision. The consultation showed tremendous support for the proposals at both a local and national level, including from all our community councils and constituent local authorities, as well as national agencies concerned for the protection of the national park’s sensitive environment.
“We appreciate the range of views from many different interests. However, on balance we believe our duty first and foremost is to conserve the environment of this special place for the enjoyment of this and future generations.”
Climber and campaigner Nick Kempe was critical of the board’s meeting and accused it of damaging Scotland’s land reform laws. “The park spent less than an hour on the proposals and over half of this time was taken up with formalities and a presentation," he said. "So there was less than half an hour’s discussion and only seven board members spoke, out of almost 20 present.”
Kempe said that minister should know that the plans would undermine the “will of parliament in respect of access legislation”.
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