Loch Lomond Leisure Scotland Ltd (LLLSL) have submitted plans for using ground to store canoes and watersports equipment and to erect of fencing at their centre in Luss, in a bid to operate hire and tuition.

The centre currently operates boat tours of the loch.

In addition to the application, a supporting statement has been submitted to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority, who will make the decision.

The letter states: “The applicant’s intention is to expand the existing boat trip business to also include canoe and paddle board hire and tuition, operating from Luss Pier and the adjacent bay.

“Ancillary to this of course is the need for a secure storae area for canoes etc and an unused area of level but secluded ground immediately to the rear of the centre apears to be ideally suited.

“It is believed that the provision of new water-based tourist facilities is encouraged within the Local Plan as is the expansion of existing businesses, subject of course to scale and impact assessments.

“In this instance, where a long established company is not only hoping to secure existing employment but to create 4 new opportunities, it also appears to accord with investment and employment aims.” It is also noted that the proposed expansion would ‘offer another means of controlled access to the loch for water-based sports that is not fuel-dependent’.

It is hoped that four new jobs would be created with the expansion.

Paul Dzierzek from LLLSL said: “Loch Lomond Leisure has been operating boat tours at Luss Pier since 2001 and currently employs 12 staff in Luss.

“The proposed development will help to create further employment in the Luss area as well as creating a boost to the local economy through increased visitor numbers and increased visitor spend and we hope to have the full support of LLTNPA and all other interested parties.”