THE Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority is looking for nominees to stand in elections to the authority’s board.

Five board members are being sought – one for each of the five wards in the park – and a postal vote will take place in the spring and early summer before the results are declared on July 5.

Anyone over the age of 21 can stand as a candidate. You don’t have to live in the National Park area, but candidates must have the written support of 10 people who live in the ward in which they wish to stand.

The five wards are Cowal and North Loch Lomond, Breadalbane and the Trossachs, Callander, East Loch Lomond and Port of Menteith, and West Loch Lomond and Balloch.

James Stuart, convener of the National Park Authority, said: “This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the National Park and we are looking for individuals who can bring their experience and perspective to help influence priorities and make key decisions.

“It is important to us that our board membership reflects not only our local communities but the country as a whole, to ensure that people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are represented.

"We offer full training to all those elected to help them carry out their duties and we are also holding drop-in events over the coming weeks to offer anyone thinking of standing the opportunity to ask for help and guidance on how to be a candidate.”

The two drop-in events take place at the park authority’s HQ in Balloch on Thursday, April 19 from 4.30-7pm and on Monday, April 23 from 2.30-4.30pm, when there will be the opportunity to find out more about becoming a candidate.