COUNCIL bosses are examining longer-term ways of improving facilities, and tackling anti-social behaviour, at a busy Loch Lomond beauty spot.

A report has revealed that concerns have been expressed about poor conduct, and a lack of public facilities, at the Duck Bay site, off the A82.

A survey planned for the site in response to a flood risk assessment has also been delayed, although it is expected that results will now have been received.

Earlier this year the area's independent conservation charity, the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, installed new temporary toilets next to the Duck Bay Hotel with funding from the Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Trust, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority and Argyll and Bute Council.

The details of the council's own efforts feature in a report to go before members of the local authority's Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Thursday, September 16.

Council executive director Douglas Hendry said in the report: “The council has a significant land holding around the Duck Bay site adjacent to Loch Lomond.

"This is an important area of public recreation but there have been concerns expressed about anti-social behaviour and a lack of public facilities on the site.

“Estates and property development have been assessing the options to develop the facilities on the site to encourage tourism. Initially this has involved considering any constraints to development.

“Given the location adjacent to the loch, one of the first investigations was a flood risk assessment, which was completed during 2020.

“As anticipated, the flood risk assessment identified concerns about flood risk. However, to clarify the extent of the risk and any potential development area, it was recommended that a full topographical survey of the site was undertaken.

“Accordingly, this has been procured and was anticipated to be completed in February 2021.

"However, the contractor initially appointed had significant issues due to the pandemic, and the works required to be retendered.

"It is anticipated they will be received in August 2021.”

Mr Hendry added: “Following receipt of the survey results the flood risk assessment will be finalised on the basis of the actual site levels to inform the next steps.

“In the meantime the council is working with the National Park Authority, the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, and local business owners to address concerns around anti-social behaviour and public facilities in the short term.”

Meanwhile, the same report reveals that Argyll and Bute Council has had an offer to buy a car park in Arrochar accepted.

The local authority's leases on the two Glen Loin car parks in the village expired last year, but the council has continued to rent them on a short-term basis.

Mr Hendry said: “The council was keen to continue to operate the car parks as they provide a valuable public service. However, this does require to be based on terms which reflect the costs and benefits of operating the service.

“Luss Estates marketed the car park which they own with a closing date set for February 12, 2021.

"However, they subsequently removed the car park from the market having decided to operate it themselves, and have been working with the council to ensure a smooth transition of the service.

“Clydebank Developments, who own the majority of the other car park in Arrochar, marketed it for sale with a closing date of April 30, 2021.

"The estates team submitted an offer on behalf of the council which has been accepted in principle.

“Accordingly, legal services have been instructed to conclude the acquisition which will allow the service to continue to operate.”