A PROGRAMME to make a difference for visitors to two lochside communities has been hailed in a new report.

A £90,000 Two Lochs visitor management project in Arrochar and Tarbet saw temporary toilets installed at Arrochar car park and at the start of the Cobbler mountain path.

It also ensured the employment of three seasonal visitor wardens, the production of more than 30 information map panels, and information signage in the villages.

The initiative was led by Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs with the support of Arrochar Community Development Trust (CDT).

Duncan McLachlan, who is chair of the CDT and a trustee of the Friends, presented the report to Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group at its virtual meeting on Thursday.

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He said: “With early groundwork the working partnership were able to roll out an ambitious summer programme in full within a few weeks following confirmation of substantial grant aid, secured by the Friends in early May from NatureScot’s Better Places Green Recovery award scheme.

“The seven temporary toilet units were heavily used throughout the 22-week placement by an estimated 30,000 visitors.

“The wardens, with the support of the Luss Estates company, helped manage the busy Arrochar car park and lochhead area with regular checks and cleaning the toilets at both sites.

"This programme of works has provided some welcome relief for villagers and local businesses which has been a great morale booster as well as serving the basic needs of visitors and those travelling through Arrochar.

“We hope we’ll be able to build on this success in future years with the provision of permanent toilets and the retention of ‘boots on the ground’ via the excellent visitor warden scheme which has made a real difference locally.”