SCOTLAND’S National Park is preparing for a post-lockdown visitor surge, with increases in staff, toilets and parking spaces among the measures that will be in place.
Following a significant increase in visitor numbers last year, layouts dubbed the “Joint Response Visitor Management Plan” have been developed for the 2021 season by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.
The plans have been drawn up alongside a number of partners including Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland and the four local authorities that cover the area.
There was a surge in visitor numbers in 2020 as lockdown measures eased and it is expected that there will be similar demand for day trips and staycations when restrictions ease over the coming months.
Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “While we remain in lockdown, we continue to urge people to comply with the current Scottish Government restrictions and not to travel beyond their local authority area at the moment.
“But when travel restrictions ease on April 26, we will be ready to welcome visitors back and we will have plenty of people on the ground to ensure they can enjoy this amazing place safely and responsibly.
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“One of the positives that came out of the pandemic last year was that more Scots discovered the natural environment closer to home and that is something we want to support, especially after months where opportunities to travel have been limited.
“Since the end of the 2020 visitor season, we have worked closely with our partners on a joined-up response to the anticipated demand for staycations and day trips in the months ahead.
“We are committing a significant increase in joint resources to help alleviate the pressures that we expect across the National Park when Covid-19 travel restrictions ease on April 26.”
Key pressures from 2020 included irresponsible parking and road congestion, littering, and antisocial behaviour associated with informal camping.
The plan includes additional Rangers, wardens and enforcement officers, extended toilet opening hours and extra toilets at popular visitor locations, increased litter collections and more staffing at weekends.
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