Local problem for wildlife

One of the biggest concerns for visitors to the National Park recently has been the antisocial behaviour associated with large groups ‘wild’ camping along the East shore of Loch Lomond.  As well as this behaviour making this part of the Loch shore unpleasant for people, it’s bound to be driving and keeping away the wildlife that so many visitors come to see such as otters and osprey (which are known to visit the southern basin area of Loch Lomond area around Balmaha  - when it is quiet!)

There’s recently been a bad example of behaviour to drive away both wildlife and people:

Nearly 50 litres of alcohol were seized from teenagers on Loch Lomondside by officers carrying out patrols as part of Operation Ironworks.

The seizure was made on Monday when officers and National Park Rangers were acting on information received that around 40 teenagers had gathered in ManseBay, Balmaha.

 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park police officer, Constable Paul Barr, said: “The alcohol seized included bottles of vodka, crates of beer and bottles of whisky. The teenagers were 17-18 years old.

 “The link between excessive alcohol consumption and violent and antisocial behaviour is clear. It is also a danger for people to get drunk in the vicinity of a large body of water such as Loch Lomond where accidents can easily occur. We will continue to patrol the National Park and take action to minimise antisocial behaviour and keep people safe.

 “This seizure undoubtedly reduced the potential for disorder and litter later in the day.”