Earth:Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

The 'Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in [Scotland] opened in July 2002. The Park embraces diverse landscapes from the high country of Breadalbane to the sea lochs of Argyll. The Highland Boundary Fault cuts through the Park, dividing the Lowlands from the rugged terrain of the Highlands. The Park has four distinct areas:

Lomond The area surrounding Loch Lomond, including Balloch, Rowardennan, Balmaha, Luss, Tarbet and Ardlui. Ben Lomond is on the east side of Loch Lomond which is the largest expanse of freshwater in Scotland. In the north the loch is deep and narrow, bound by steep-sided mountains. Loch Lomond is immortalised in a well-known traditional Scottish song, first published in 1841.

:By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes

Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond

Where me and my true love will ne-er meet again

On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.

Chorus:

O you’ll tak’ the high road and I’ll tak’ the low road

And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye

For me and my true love will ne-er meet again

On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.

Argyll The western area including Helensburgh, Strachur, Arrochar and the Argyll forest park. Three sealochs penetrate this area. The 'Arrochar Alps' border the Argyll Forest to the south.

The Trossachs The Central area including Aberfoyle, Loch Katrine pier, Brig o' Turk, Callander & Strathyre. Also includes the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, seven major lochs and many small lochs. The area was the haunt of Rob Roy MacGregor. Loch Katrine is well known for 100 year old pleasure Steamer "Sir Walter Scott".

Breadalbane This northern area including Glen Dochart, Killin and Glenogle (St Fillans and Loch Tay are excluded). This part of Highland Scotland was once owned by the notorious Campbell family and 'Black Duncan Campbell' whose castle was at Killin. Four well known Munroes lie in this area. Breadalbane includes the mountains Ben Lui, Ben Challum, Ben More and Ben Vorlich, some of Scotland’s finest Munro peaks.

National Park Aims

The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 sets out four National Park aims:

• To conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area,
• To promote sustainable use of natural resources of the area,
• To promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public
• To promote sustainable economic and social development of the area's communities.

These aims are to be pursued by all public bodies with an interest in the area, and the National Park Authority's purpose is to ensure that they are achieved in a co-ordinated way.

• website for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority