MAKE a Difference Day saw volunteers help to keep an important viewpoint in Scotland’s First National Park beautiful.

The day was led by Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and a group of around 40 people took part in a variety of tasks including rhododendron removal and path maintenance beside the scenic waterfalls.

The volunteers came from a variety of walks of life including Luss Estates, Lloyds Banking Group and Scottish Water as well as motivated individuals.

They were recruited by the Friends, The Mountains & The People project, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority and The Countryside Trust who work collaboratively on a range of volunteering events throughout the year in the National Park to make a difference.

Tarbet-based boat trip operator Cruise Loch Lomond provided complimentary travel and hot drinks for the volunteers, while Lochs and Glens Hotels, who own Inversnaid Hotel, provided much needed shelter when the weather took a turn for the worse.

Friends Vice-Chairman John Urquhart, who was among the volunteers who took part on the day, said: “This was a very successful day and the work undertaken by the team of enthusiastic volunteers has made a real difference at a popular lochside beauty spot.

“Our volunteers always turn out in force for these types of events which make a huge contribution to augmenting the work of others in trying to keep some of the special places in the National Park in a good condition for visitors to enjoy.

“We are also extremely grateful to the organisations and business supporters with whom we joined forces to help make this event an undoubted success.”

Tom Wallace, Project Manager with The Mountains & The People, added: “The Mountains and The People project still has four years left to run and we would be very keen to join forces with the Friends and others to stage more such activity days to ensure as many people as possible play their parts in conserving Scotland’s two National Parks.”