Martin Docherty MP has tabled a motion in parliament celebrating 15 years of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park ahead of National Parks Week 2017 (Monday 24 July to Sunday 30 July).
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs was Scotland’s first National Park established by the Scottish Parliament in July 2002 and the SNP MP for West Dunbartonshire is encouraging local residents to get out and enjoy the park as part of National Parks Week.
Mr Docherty lodged his parliamentary motion marking the 15th birthday of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and highlighting the contribution it makes to the economy in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland.
Commenting, Martin Docherty MP said:
“Loch Lomond & the Trossachs became Scotland’s first National Park 15 years ago and I was delighted to have the opportunity to recognise this important milestone in parliament.
“Visitors from across Scotland and all over the world come to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of our National Park and West Dunbartonshire benefits greatly from having this right on our doorstep.
“This year’s National Parks Week runs from Monday 24 July to Sunday 30 July and it’s a great chance to explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and enjoy some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer.
“I wish to extend a very happy birthday to the Park and thank all of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure it remains a safe, peaceful and welcoming environment for all who visit.”
ENDS
Early Day Motion (EDM) lodged by Martin Docherty MP
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
That this House notes that Scotland’s first National Park Loch Lomond and Trossachs, head-quartered in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, is celebrating its 15th birthday; further notes that the national park is 1,865 sq km and has a boundary length of 350 km and that 50 per cent of Scotland’s population lives within a one hour drive; further notes that within the Park there are 21 Munros in the Park with the highest being Ben More at 1,174m, 22 larger lochs including Loch Lomond, with numerous smaller lochs, and about 50 rivers and large burns; understands that there are 15,168 people who live within the boundaries of the National Park and that there are roughly over 1.75 million visitors a year from across Scotland and the world; highlights the positive impact that the Park has on the local and national economy and acknowledges the important role that those who work and volunteer in the Park play in ensuring that the Park remains a safe, peaceful and welcoming environment for all of those who visit; and wishes to extend a very happy birthday to everyone involved in the National Park, with best wishes for the next 15 years.
