JULY 31, 2003

LOCH Lomond Shores, had its busiest day of the year so far last week — for its first birthday.

Over 8,500 people attended on Thursday to watch and take part in special events.

Loch Lomond Shores spokesman said: “It was a fantastic day.

“We had an ambitious programme of events some of which were weather dependent such as the Golden Lions Free Fall Parachute Team but everything went ahead and it was a great day.”

Other activities included a vehicle pull by Royal Marines and some Highland Games heavies, a kids birthday party, a trip on the Shores’ express land train, pony trekking and the arrival of a special birthday cake by seaplane.

Since Princess Anne opened the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the Loch Lomond Shores development a year ago more than 850,000 people have visited the site, putting it in the top 10 of Scottish visitor attractions.

A total of 12 businesses now operate, employing over 350 people.