Wider ban on lochside camping has ramblers rethinking

Published on Thursday 11 February 2010 21:03

BANNING camping on the shore of Loch Lomond could end up eroding wider land access laws.

Ramblers Scotland is reconsidering its initial support for proposed by-laws to tackle antisocial behaviour in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Director Dave Morris spoke out after MSP Murdo Fraser called for a ban to extend across lochsides in Highland Perthshire, including lochs Tay, Tummel and Rannoch.

Mr Morris said: "It seemed at first that the by-laws are a way of dealing with the problem on the shore of Loch Lomond, but now we see that Murdo Fraser is going for a wider ban. The next step is people everywhere saying they want bylaws all over the place.

"That is totally against what the Land Reform Act is about."

Ramblers Scotland, which has about 7,000 members, said it would now consider its formal response carefully.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has announced a 12-week consultation on whether to stop "informal camping", such as sleeping in vehicles, at restricted areas.

Mr Morris said police could use existing powers against those who vandalised beauty spots. He said he sympathised with the proposal but that the Tory MSP had "changed the debate".

He added: "We did not anticipate it would lead to the instant demand that his provision should be applied in other areas."

Mr Fraser said: "If the by-laws to stop informal camping taking place in parts of Loch Lomond are brought in, there is a fear that there will be a displacement, and we will see more irresponsible campers come to Highland Perthshire instead.

"That is why lochs Tay, Rannoch and Tummel require the same bylaws in order to protect the local environment and communities.

"At Loch Lomond the rangers have to deal with remains of tents, burnt-down trees, abandoned campfires and countless bags of rubbish on a weekly basis."