I READ with disbelief the letter in your edition of May 16 with the headline, 'Clowns are Running Circus' as it paints a very misleading picture of 'Operation Ironworks' which has been a great success in tackling anti-social behaviour around Loch Lomond and enhancing the overall quality of the visitor experience in recent years. I am afraid that despite many years of activity by the National Park Authority and others using the voluntary education techniques referred to by your contributor, it was clear the situation on the east side of the loch was getting worse and was becoming intolerable for local residents and the many thousands of visitors seeking tranquil locations to enjoy the beauty of the loch.

Firmer action was required and, thankfully, several years ago the National Park Authority in partnership with the Police, Forestry Commission and the local community acted with the introduction of a package of visitor management measures aimed at improving the situation on East Loch Lomondside. The transformation in the mix and behaviour of visitors has been remarkable with the return of families and others who can now enjoy the special qualities of the area confident in the knowledge it is a safe place to visit and stay overnight The overall quality of the visitor experience has greatly improved and resulted in 'paradise being rediscovered on the bonnie banks' according to the positive comments regularly received from chats with visitors and local residents on the lochside.

The National Park Authority and their partners are to be congratulated for taking forward this bold initiative to tackle long outstanding problems. They are also to be praised for their recent success in securing millions of pounds from the Scottish Government's 'shovel ready' projects fund for much-needed improved car park, toilet and camping facilities at visitor hotspots in the Park which is just the type of investment your contributor has called for.

As a public body the Park Authority is 'fair game' for criticism and close scrutiny but on this occasion I believe we should be welcoming the efforts being made by the Park Authority and others such as the Police, with hard fought for public funds, to ensure Scotland's first National Park and most heavily visited countryside destination does indeed regain its 'paradise' credentials as one of the truly great destinations in the world family of National Parks.

James Fraser Chairman Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs 63 West Princes Street, Helensburgh