Flamingo Land to be cut if not supported by '˜people of Scotland'

A theme park owner said he will axe his plans for a £30 million resort at Loch Lomond if they are not supported by '˜the people of Scotland.'
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Sep 2016, 15:49 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2016, 14:39 BST

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Flamingo Land Ltd are bidding to develop a resort at Loch Lomond. Picture: Allan MilliganFlamingo Land Ltd are bidding to develop a resort at Loch Lomond. Picture: Allan Milligan
Flamingo Land Ltd are bidding to develop a resort at Loch Lomond. Picture: Allan Milligan

The boss of Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire had lodged plans to develop a 20-hectare site in Balloch with lodges, a boutique hotel, hostel and glamping pods as well as a range of family attractions and restaurants.

Scottish Entreprise said Flamingo Land Ltd - its preferred bidder for the site - will look to build on the success of nearby Loch Lomond Shores, which attracts 1.25 million visitors a year.

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However, Chief executive Gordon Gibb has revealed the plans will not go ahead if they are not supported by “most of the people in Scotland” after an online petition against the proposals attracted 20,000 signatories.

• READ MORE: Petition to stop Flamingo Land operator plans at Loch Lomond

The ‘Save Loch Lomond’ petition states: “We must stand up to this as a strong voice against the commercialisation of a national gem for future generations.”

Gibb said: “Flamingo Land totally understands some of the local concerns about our proposed leisure resort in Balloch and we are committed to engaging with all parties involved to fully explain our ideas.

“We would like to point out that the planning process has not even commenced yet and our proposals are concentrated on residential holidays and not creating a theme park as some publications have suggested

“Our bid was successful due to the sensitive way in which we have considered the site in question and we look forward to continuing to cooperate with the consultation group.

“To be frank, if our plans are not welcomed by most of the people in Scotland then we will not proceed further but I do not trust the results of the petition and we have not yet been given the chance to fully explain our plans.”

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Related topics:ScotlandPetitionNorth Yorkshire