THE Loch Lomond island which is home to Scotland's only wallaby colony is being over-run by wild campers, its owner has complained.

Luss Estates says a lack of regulation on islands such as Inchconnachan is having a damaging effect on local wildlife.

The landowner was responding this week to reports that a dead wallaby had been found washed up on a beach on the island last week.

Red-necked wallabies were introduced to Inchconnachan in the 1950s by Fiona, Countess of Arran.

Luss Estates has declined to comment on the reports of the recent discovery - and in particular on fears that the animal may have been killed and skinned by humans.

But the company has criticised the lack of regulation which allows large numbers of people to visit and camp on Inconnachan and the other islands it owns on the loch.

A Luss Estates spokesman said: “The islands have important European and national nature conservation designations.

“There is unregulated public access to the Islands in Loch Lomond, fostered by the right to roam and wild camping legislation.

“It is not uncommon to note a considerable number of tents and associated personnel on Inchconnochan Island in particular at any one time, notwithstanding the high conservation status of the Islands. 

“Given the high conservation status of the islands and damage to the flora and fauna on the Islands caused by unregulated and unsustainable levels of public access, Luss Estates actively canvassed the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park to include the islands on Loch Lomond in the recent bye laws, introduced to manage wild camping on the West bank of Loch Lomond, to no avail.

“Luss Estates expends a substantial amount of time and money annually on the islands carrying out litter and detritus collection, wild fire prevention, grey squirrel and deer control in accordance with proscribed management plans and control of non native vegetation such as rhododendron, which would substantiate our commitment to nature conservation of the flora and fauna of the islands.

“Notwithstanding that, the islands are being overrun with unregulated access.”

A spokeswoman for the National Park said: “The islands are already covered by the existing Loch Lomond Navigation Byelaws 2012, which cover damage to the natural and cultural heritage, as well as damage to property.

"Through increased working with visitors to Loch Lomond, we will continue to patrol and monitor the situation and promote responsible behaviour messages to visitors on the islands.”