Loch Lomond

I spent most of the day in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park with Bruce Crawford, the MSP for Stirling , and the Park CEO Gordon Watson.

Four years ago the Park hosted a day for MSPs who represent any bit of it. Today was to be a repetition but drawing in newly elected MPs as well.

However diaries prevented them  taking part but Bruce and I were keen to keep up our regular dialogue with the Park and Gordon - who took over as CEO earlier this year - was equally keen to show us some recent developments including the "Water Bus" and to talk to us about a range of issues including the  new by laws that are  currently awaiting Ministerial approval.

We went up to Tarbert in the Park Patrol boat, which was most enjoyable.  We started off in the pouring rain but by the time we got to Tarbert pier, where this picture was taken as we waited to tie up,  blue sky was beginning to appear.  

From Tarbert  we drove to see the two new "Scenic Routes" viewpoints (which are remarkable) at Inveruglas and the Falls of Falloch.    We then worked our way back down via Ardgarten and the Forest Holidays and "Lochs & Glens"  developments.

All in all it was a very interesting and  absorbing  visit .  Many thanks to Gordon and the park staff.