Crawford backs lochside talks

Jul 24 2009 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Friday

TALKS aimed at helping to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Rowardennan area of Loch Lomondside are in the pipeline.

Bruce Crawford, MSP for the Stirling constituency, said this week that he was backing a local campaign against unruly behaviour by visitors causing problems in the area.

Some locals are also seeking to have a gate there locked as part of a campaign to control vehicular access by campers who are said to be leaving litter strewn across the area and damaging the environment.

Mr Crawford said: “Having met with many locals and community representatives on site, I have no doubt that a solution must be found to the current problem surrounding access to the private road between the main road and the youth hostel.

“The area has become a hotspot for some unruly visitors, who are unfortunately responsible for causing serious damage to the environment by sawing down trees to make wood for campfires and leaving vast amounts of litter, including beer bottles and the like, for others to clear up.

“I understand that the youth hostel operators are reluctant to see the gate closed at all. However, the situation as it is cannot continue, and other options must be considered.”

Mr Crawford added: “I shudder to think what the many West Highland Way walkers passing on that route must think of the anti-social visitors abusing this area. This is a clear case of the anti-social minority of visitors spoiling the environment for the responsible majority.

“I will be writing to all agencies involved in the first instance before seeking a meeting with the Scottish Youth Hostel Association and residents at this location in order to find a solution to this major problem.”

The Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SYHA), responsible for the hostel at Rowardennan, say that it is also committed to tackling any such problems of anti-social behaviour nearby.

Margo Paterson, from SYHA Hostelling Scotland, said: “As part of the local community, we are fully aware of and are affected by the problem of anti-social behaviour by campers on the lochside.

“We are committed to working closely with all concerned parties including local residents, Community Council, Forestry Commission, National Park Authority and Central Scotland Police.

“A meeting is being arranged to find a viable and practical solution which will be of benefit to everyone.”

Central Scotland Police, which is currently running Operation Ironworks, a six-month-long initiative tackling anti-social behaviour within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, indicated that the ethos of the ongoing initiative could help find a solution.

Chief inspector Kevin Findlater said: “Operation Ironworks is about partnership working and resolving issues. This is a civil dispute and we are working with those involved to try to resolve the issues.”