Latest news with #JenPreston
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- The Herald Scotland
New West Highland Way boardwalk completed
Stirling Council said the upgraded section at an early stretch will enhance safety and sustainability for users of the much-loved long-distance route. Located within the Craigallian Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the project was delivered with care to protect the sensitive wetland environment and with input from NatureScot. READ MORE: The upgraded boardwalk sits just prior to Craigallian Loch, an early landmark on the opening stretch of the West Highland Way as walkers make their way from Milngavie to Drymen. The works, carried out by local landscaping firm MacColl and Stokes, in partnership with Stirling Council, were completed ahead of this summer's main tourism season and funded through the Scottish Government's Active Travel Enabling Fund, costing £14,100. Environment, Transport and Net Zero Convener, Cllr Jen Preston said: 'These works will go a long way to help preserve a beloved walking trail famous throughout Scotland. "We're proud to be home to a stretch of this famous attraction and to have contributed towards promoting an active travel route for the benefit of residents and tourists alike.'
Daily Record
11-08-2025
- Daily Record
West Highland Way boardwalk upgrade to boost sustainability and safety is complete
Walkers on the iconic West Highland Way will be able to enjoy a key section of the route in a new way - on boardwalks near Craigallian Loch. Hikers tackling the iconic West Highland Way can now navigate a crucial stretch thanks to a brand-new boardwalk section close to Craigallian Loch. The walkway prevents damage from foot traffic and cyclists, guaranteeing ongoing access whilst safeguarding the surrounding wildlife habitat. The upgraded section will boost both safety and environmental protection for those using this popular long-distance trail. Situated within the Craigallian Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the scheme was executed with careful consideration for the delicate wetland ecosystem and guidance from NatureScot. The enhanced boardwalk lies adjacent to Craigallian Loch, a notable early feature on the initial portion of the West Highland Way as ramblers journey from Milngavie towards Drymen. The construction, undertaken by local landscaping firm MacColl and Stokes, in partnership with Stirling Council, was finished before the summer's peak tourist period and supported by the Scottish Government's Active Travel Enabling Fund, at a cost of £14,100. Environment, Transport and Net Zero Convener, Cllr Jen Preston said: "These works will go a long way to help preserve a beloved walking trail famous throughout Scotland. We're proud to be home to a stretch of this famous attraction and to have contributed towards promoting an active travel route for the benefit of residents and tourists alike."
The Herald Scotland
07-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Sustainable bus pilot gets underway in National Park
The pilot service, which runs until to October 5 this year, follows a successful 2024 pilot that welcomed over 5,000 passengers. To mark the occasion National Authority team members, joined drivers from McColl's, who will be operating the service to exchange knowledge on the route, ensuring passengers this year have the best experience, and learn more about the landscape of the National Park on their journey. Two low-emission, modern buses will run seven days a week between Drymen and Callander, stopping at popular visitor destinations including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi). READ MORE The service will trial further enhancements and route expansions this summer as part of ongoing efforts by the National Park Authority to provide sustainable travel options, reduce congestion, ease parking pressures and help visitors and residents connect and protect the National Park's special environment. Speaking about the pilot last month, Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "Following the success of last years' service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer - helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. "The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. "Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership. This expanded pilot allows us to continue to gather the insight and evidence needed to develop long-term transport solutions across the entire National Park.' The Trossachs Explorer (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee commented: 'The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to.'Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities.' Liam McColl, Director of McColl's, added: 'We're proud to be operating the Trossachs Explorer service this summer, helping connect communities and visitors across one of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes. This is a real opportunity to show what rural public transport can achieve when it's planned around local needs, environmental priorities and visitor access. 'Our team has worked closely with the National Park Authority to design a timetable that provides reliable, accessible connections - not just for visitors, but for local people too. The feedback from last year's pilot has been invaluable, and we're excited to build on that by trialling new improvements and laying the groundwork for what we hope becomes a permanent, year-round network. It's great to see growing momentum behind sustainable rural transport, and we're delighted to be part of that story in the Trossachs.' The Trossachs Explorer is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund.
Daily Record
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Rural Stirling taxi services fail to attract tender as fresh solution examined
The 'Demand Responsive Taxis' are services which operate in areas with no regular bus routes and allow for those in rural areas to travel - but only three of the eight areas are running. Demand Responsive Taxis aren't working out for more than half of the allocated rural areas say councillors. DRT is a system that operates in areas where there are no regular bus routes. It works like a taxi service and costs around the same as a bus fare. DRT is for anyone who wants to travel in rural parts of the Stirling Council area, regardless of age, disability, whether they're a resident or a visitor. If you use DRT, you might share transport with other travellers who are making the same or a similar journey. Of eight DRT areas only three have a service operating. Currently the only DRT schemes Stirling Council is able to provide a service for are Killin & Strathfillan, Croftamie & Drymen, and also Fintry. At a recent full meeting of Stirling Council, Trossachs and Teith Conservative councillor Martin Earl asked for an explanation of the issues. Convener of environment, transport and net zero, Labour councillor Jen Preston, said: 'The number of commercial operators that undertake DRT has reduced since Covid, and despite retendering the service on a number of occasions we have been unable to attract new service providers.' While thanking the convener for her answer, Cllr Earl said: 'We kind of all knew that didn't we. 'I think the point being that this is now a good few years after Covid so I'd really like to understand what actions we are doing proactively to address this and actually bring some service back to these areas because it's vital. 'People rely on it and we've got five out of the eight areas, some of the biggest areas actually for DRT, which haven't had a service for some time, so I would welcome any comments the convener has on what we're doing to address that.' Cllr Preston replied: 'Yes, I think we're all aware by this point that relying on the private sector to deliver this through taxi companies is not working so we're looking at other options to do that. 'Officers are proactively working on ideas. We currently have the sustainable mobility strategy out for consulation which should feed us back more information about where people want to go and how they want to travel. They're going to get some more information from officers once that's done, at the end of July probably. 'But yes, we're all in agreement that we need to be doing something different on this because the current system is not delivering for people.'
The National
26-06-2025
- The National
New bus service for Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park launches
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority have announced that The Trossachs Explorer will return next month, giving passengers the opportunity to explore some of the best parts of the region. The service will run from July 7 to October 5, following a successful 2024 pilot that welcomed more than 5000 passengers. Two low-emission, modern buses will run seven days a week between Drymen and Callander, stopping at popular visitor destinations including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi). READ MORE: Oasis reveals fan shop location and opening times ahead of Edinburgh show The service will also co-ordinate timetables linking existing bus routes to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times. Gordon Watson, chief executive at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, welcomed the service as he said it will help tackle the number of cars that visit the area every day. (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) He said: 'Following the success of last year's service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer – helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. 'The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. 'Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership.' All-day tickets will be available at £6 for adults, £3.50 for children and £5.65 for students. Group/family tickets will cost £16 for up to five people, and passengers can also purchase a seven-journey saver ticket for £25 and under 22s and over 60s can travel for free with a National Entitlement Card. The service will be operated by McColls and is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund. (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) Councillor Jen Preston, convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee said: 'The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. 'There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to. 'Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities.'
