Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Forever Tainted

 I read this very transparent and informative article by Cameron McNeish on the Walk Highlands Magazine Site Today and it pretty much sums up the shameful state of affairs regarding camping access in Scotland's first National Park.

People really need to take notice and get motivated with regard to getting this decision reversed as it is merely the tip of the iceberg of the way things are going under the current Government in Scotland and as Mr. McNeish says :-

"If an SNP government can take us in this direction with camping byelaws, what next? Byelaws to control mountain biking, walking, canoeing and swimming, for example?"

The unfortunate thing is it's already happened. Under this Legislation bent Government, despite existing Police powers to combat anti social behaviour by a minority, Scotland must be one of the only countries in the world where it is now a CRIMINAL OFFENCE to have a beer or glass of wine on a public beach with your picnic. And, should you be unfortunate enough to be merely reported or even have it alleged you are guilty of such a HEINOUS CRIME then you can be detained, in a Police Cell, under SECTION 14 of the CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (SCOTLAND) ACT 1995, for a period of up to 12 hours, WITHOUT CHARGE, until the Police ascertain whether you are guilty or in fact innocent of ANY CRIME  in the first place.

I suppose one upside of being caught camping "illegally"  in or on the borders of The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park EXCLUSION ZONE on a cold, wet, windy Scottish night is that you could find yourself banged up in a nice warm Police cell for the evening while the Cop's carry out their investigations as to whether you were actually within the exclusion zone in the first place.

Here's a link to an article I wrote about the Original East Loch Lomond Camping Ban

And here is a Link to Cameron's article in Walk Highlands

May The Fire Be Always Lit !

By Yon Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond 12 -14th June 2015

Had a couple of days on Lomondside camping and kayaking at the weekend with some good friends and where I met some new one's.

Responsible camping in the National Park by responsible people where no trace was left behind.

The way it should be ....

All of the wood used for the camp fire was deadfall with not a single piece of wood cut from a living tree and all trace of the camp fire was removed before leaving. Would've liked to have posted an as it was before we arrived picture before leaving but the charge on the camera ran out. Unfortunately, there are just some things you can't plan for ;-)

            

MAY THE FIRE BE ALWAYS LIT !

Loch Lomond and Trossachs Camping Bans

As recently reported by BBC news, The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority board voted for complete camping bans on Loch Lomond and throughout the rest of the National Park on Monday 27th April.

Read the BBC article by clicking this link

Camping crackdown approved by Loch Lomond park board  

As a result of this aberration which in my opinion is nothing less than an assault on the free men and women of Scotland itself. Here is a copy of an e-mail I'm sending to my MSP Jamie Hepburn in opposition to the proposed camping bans by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority. I strongly object to the ban and feel if it is not stopped, similar bye laws will be introduced in other areas making it almost impossible to wild camp in Scotland without being made to feel like a criminal.

Kevin Findlater MBE, a former Chief Inspector of Police in the Loch Lomond area has heavily criticised the Park Authority for its proposals, which he branded “unnecessary and draconian”.

Please feel free to copy it and send it, or send one like it to your MSP.

Likes on Facebook pages are being ignored by the Scottish Parliament. The only way to do something about this is to personally e-mail or write to your MSP. The camping ban has been approved by the Park Authority but still needs final approval by the Scottish Government so there is still time to Object.

You could send a copy of this text your friends, Facebook groups/pages and forums, urging them to e-mail their MSP's too. It should only take a couple of minutes.

Thanks for reading.

E-MAIL TEXT

Dear 

( Insert your MSP'S name here ) ,

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed wild camping and access ban which has been approved by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park authority. There is existing legislation and police powers to deal with offenders in the National Park. The majority of wild campers are responsible and care for the environment. I feel the imposition of this ban would be an unacceptable erosion of the hard won freedoms and civil liberties we have in Scotland that people have fought and died for.

I trust you will find this in order and note my objections to these proposed draconian restrictions and bans.

Yours sincerely,

( Insert your name and address here )

Please take the time to either write to or e-mail your MSP voicing your objections to these bans, your future access to the Scottish Countryside could depend upon it.

Wild Camping Bans

Read it and weep, will be coming to your neck of the woods soon if you don't let your voice be heard now :-(

Camping ban likely throughout Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

This is like a virus that started on East Loch Lomond and will spread throughout Scotland if nothing is done to stop it. The police have existing powers and legislation at their disposal to deal with anti social offenders but don't or won't do anything. As a result, it has given our illustrious leaders the opportunity to re-write legislation and allowed local councils to introduce bye-laws which underhandedly circumvent the freedom to roam and anti trespass laws. If this is freedom it is the most warped type of freedom I have ever seen. Once again the many are going to be punished as a result of the mindless actions of the few.

Note what it says on his guitar, I never really knew what a fascist was till a few years ago.....