Latest news with #TheTrossachsNationalParkAuthority
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Major path upgrade completed on Scotland's Conic Hill
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority announced the completion of the £900,000 project on Conic Hill, which has been funded over three years between 2022 and 2025. The 1.4km path runs from the Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit of the hill and is two metres wide, designed to encourage visitors to stay on the path and protect the landscape. Helicopter delivering materials during Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Supplied) Its creation involved the use of more than 2000 tonnes of stone sourced from a quarry in Dumbarton, which was transported to the site by land and air. The park authority says the work has been carried out in a way that ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. Simon Jones, director of environment and visitor services at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the national park. 'This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure and local economic benefits simultaneously. 'We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvements work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations.' Work is underway during Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Supplied) Mairi Gougeon, rural affairs secretary, said: 'I am delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park will benefit from the repaired pathway on Conic Hill and look forward to seeing the further improvements the park authority has planned. 'The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been helping people to enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly for two decades and this is a great way of marking that anniversary.' Conic Hill public path (Image: Supplied) Ryan Hamilton, from Hamilton Construction, said: 'When Hamilton's took over works in late 2023, we undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars. 'We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as minus 10C to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud. 'Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. 'The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill can now do so.'
STV News
3 days ago
- STV News
Major upgrades to Conic Hill path completed after three years
Major upgrades to one of Scotland's most popular hills have been completed after three years. A new path has been created on Conic Hill, which draws more than 200,000 visitors every year, to help walkers stay on designated routes and protect the area's biodiversity and natural landscape. The new two-metre-wide path stretches 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit and was created through sub-zero temperatures and blistering heat. Over 2,000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry were transported to the site by land and air, where contractors applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority Over 2,000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry were transported to the site. Similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, stone pitching ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. The £900,000 project's completion comes after the path was completely closed to the public in January 2025 after sustaining serious damage due to Storm Eowyn. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority said the new path aims to encourage 'responsible behaviour.' The National Park Authority said it is also working with local landowners and Police Scotland to address livestock worrying and urged visitors to always keep dogs on a lead. Conic Hill, affectionately known as a 'Mountain in Miniature', draws more than 200,000 visitors annually due to its accessibility and setting on the iconic banks of Loch Lomond, forming part of the internationally significant Highland Boundary Fault Line. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority Conic Hill, also known as a 'Mountain in Miniature'. Simon Jones, director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the National Park. 'This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure, and local economic benefits simultaneously. 'We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvement work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations.' Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton Construction, added: 'When Hamilton's took over works in late 2023, we undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars. 'We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as -10C to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud. 'Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill can now do so.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Major path upgrade on one of Scotland's most popular hills
LLTNPA said the investment, delivered over three years, "demonstrates its long-term commitment to protecting nature and promoting responsible visitor access, while working to support local businesses by enhancing and facilitating sustainable visitor experiences". Affectionately known as a 'Mountain in Miniature,' Conic Hill draws more than 200,000 visitors annually due to its accessibility and geographic setting on the banks of Loch Lomond, forming part of the Highland Boundary Fault Line. The hill, which has an elevation of 361m, is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest with unique ecological and geological significance. The newly completed path infrastructure, stretching 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit, features a two-metre-wide path. Over 2,000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry have been carefully transported to site by land and air, where specialised contractors expertly applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. This technique, similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. LLTNPA said it is also working with local landowners and Police Scotland to address livestock worrying, urging visitors to always keep dogs on a lead. Work underway during the Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) The project's completion aligns with the 20th anniversary of Scotland's pioneering access legislation and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which came into force in 2005. Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at LLTNPA, said: 'The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the National Park. This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure, and local economic benefits simultaneously. 'We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvements work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: 'I am delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will benefit from the repaired pathway on Conic Hill and look forward to seeing the further improvements the Park Authority has planned. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been helping people to enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly for two decades and this is a great way of marking that anniversary.' Ryan Hamilton of Hamiliton Construction added: "When Hamilton's took over works in late 2023, we undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars. We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as minus 10c to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud. 'Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill, can now do so."
The National
3 days ago
- The National
Popular Loch Lomond hill walk reopens after £900,000 investment
The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority have announced that visitors will now be able to enjoy Conic Hill in its entirety once again following the completion of the £900,000 project. Also known as a Mountain in Miniature, Conic Hill forms part of the Highland Boundary Fault Line and draws more than 200,000 visitors annually due to its spectacular views of the banks of Loch Lomond. The newly completed path infrastructure, stretching 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit, features a two-metre-wide path and the park authority hopes it will help encourage responsible behaviour and enjoyment from visitors by helping them remain on designated routes. READ MORE: Firefighters battle east coast fires overnight Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon welcomed the completion of the project and hailed the efforts to encourage people to enjoy the Scottish countryside responsibly. She said: 'I am delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will benefit from the repaired pathway on Conic Hill and look forward to seeing the further improvements the Park Authority has planned. 'The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been helping people to enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly for two decades and this is a great way of marking that anniversary.' More than 2000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry were transported to the site by land and air, where specialised contractors applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. This technique, similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton Construction, said his team received 'very positive' feedback while speaking to walkers while they were carrying out the project. (Image: The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority) He said: "When Hamilton's took over works in late 2023, we undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars. We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as minus 10c to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud. 'Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill can now do so.' Visitors have been reminded by the park's authority that Conic Hill is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has ecological and geological significance. The National Park Authority is also working with local landowners and Police Scotland to address livestock worrying, urging visitors to always keep dogs on a lead. Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said that with visitors staying on the new path, everyone can play a vital role in protecting the area's delicate biodiversity and natural landscape. He said: 'The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the National Park. (Image: The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority) 'This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure, and local economic benefits simultaneously. 'We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvements work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations.'
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Daily Record
Loch Lomond warning to revellers as temperatures set to soar across Scotland
Police Scotland and partners relaunched Operation Ballaton - a summer initiative aimed at keeping visitors and communities safe across Balloch, Loch Lomond and surrounding areas. Officers have issued a stern warning to anyone planning to cause disruption at Loch Lomond this summer. As temperatures are set to soar this weekend, Police Scotland alongside partner agencies have relaunched Operation Ballaton - a seasonal crackdown designed to protect visitors and local communities throughout Balloch, Loch Lomond and the wider region. The collaborative initiative is focused on combating antisocial conduct while maintaining a strong police presence across key locations during summer. Authorities made it clear disruptive behaviour will face zero tolerance and swift action, reports Glasgow Live. Inspector Colin Cameron from Police Scotland said: "Balloch and the surrounding areas attract large numbers of people during the summer months, and we are committed to making sure they remain safe, welcoming places for everyone. "Officers will be on high-visibility patrol throughout the summer, supported by our partners, and anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour, violence or criminal activity will be dealt with firmly and proportionately. "We are clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will use every tool available to prevent it and take action when necessary. "We understand that recent incidents involving serious violence among young people in other parts of Scotland have caused concern. "While reported incidents of violent crime remain at historically low levels, we are not complacent. Through Operation Ballaton, we will continue to focus our resources where they are most needed, working closely with partners to address any issues that arise and to ensure the public can feel confident and safe in this area. "Young people are often among those who travel to the area in groups, particularly in warmer weather. While many behave responsibly, we know this is not always the case. "We are asking parents and carers to take the time to speak to their children and young people about the risks of getting involved in disorder - and the very real consequences it can have for victims, communities and their own futures." Leigh Hamilton, Ranger Service Manager, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, added: "We welcome and fully support Police Scotland's Operation Ballaton this year, continuing our established partnership. "The operation's effectiveness comes from a multi-agency collaboration focused on maintaining public safety through coordinated action by all partners, including our National Park Rangers and emergency services. "Our shared objective is to ensure that everyone feels welcome and can enjoy the National Park this summer while doing so safely, responsibly, and respectfully. "Through coordinated communication and shared resources among partners on the ground, we are better positioned to deliver an effective, prevention-focused approach that targets known hotspot areas both on land and water in Balloch, Loch Lomond, and the surrounding areas this summer." Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Watch Commander Chris Spence also said: "We always work with our communities to explain the risks of fire, but it's important to stress that deliberate fire-setting is a crime and can have a serious impact on local communities. "People who set fires need to be aware that getting involved in this type of behaviour can have a big impact on your future. "Once you light that match, you have no control or way of knowing what happens next. "Not only are you risking damage to property and wildlife, you're putting yourself and others in danger. It's just not worth it." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Depute Council Leader, Councillor David McBride said: "It is no wonder people choose to come to Balloch during the summer months with the stunning natural environment we have here. "We know the majority of visitors want to make the most of this beautiful area, but unfortunately there are some who are intent on engaging in anti-social behaviour. "Joined up working between partners happens all year round, but with the particular focus of Operation Ballaton, we can help to keep people safe and ensure Loch Lomond can be enjoyed by all." Public byelaws, such as the ban on drinking alcohol in public places, will be rigorously enforced. There will be patrols in key locations including Balloch Park, nearby train stations, Luss, and other areas that see a lot of visitors.
