Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
The 'Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in Scotland opened in July 2002. The Park embraces diverse landscapes from the high country of Breadalbane to the sea lochs of Argyll. The Highland Boundary Fault cuts through the Park, dividing the Lowlands from the rugged terrain of the Highlands. The Park has four distinct areas:
- Lomond
The area surrounding Loch Lomond, including Balloch, Rowardennan, Balmaha, Luss, Tarbet and Ardlui. Ben Lomond is on the east side of Loch Lomond which is the largest expanse of freshwater in Scotland. In the north, the loch is deep and narrow, and is bounded by steep-sided mountains.
Loch Lomond is immortalised in a well-known traditional Scottish song, first published in 1841.
:By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes
- Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond
- Where me and my true love will ne-er meet again
- On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.
- Chorus:
- O you’ll tak’ the high road and I’ll tak’ the low road
- And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye
- For me and my true love will ne-er meet again
- On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.
- Argyll
The western area including Helensburgh, Strachur, Arrochar and the Argyll forest park. Three sealochs penetrate this area. The 'Arrochar Alps' border the Argyll Forest to the south.
- The Trossachs
The Central area including Aberfoyle, Loch Katrine pier, Brig o' Turk, Callander & Strathyre. Also includes the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, seven major lochs and many small lochs. The area was the haunt of Rob Roy MacGregor. Loch Katrine is well known for 100 year old pleasure Steamer "Sir Walter Scott". The MacGregor Monument is on the 'Lanrick Estate', on the south bank of the River Teith between Doune and Callander. It resembles the trunk of a large oak - the tree emblem which is part of the Arms of the Chiefs of Clan Gregor.
Heaven gave Rob Roy a dauntless heart,
- And wondrous length and strength of era,
- Nor craved he more to quell his foes,
- Or keep his friends from harm.
- Yet was Rob Roy as wise as brave
- Forgive me if the phrase he strong
- A poet worthy of Rob Roy
- Must scorn a timid song.
- Bear witness many a pensive sigh
- Of thoughtful herdsman when he strays
- Alone upon Loch Veol’s heights,
- And by Loch Lomond’s braes
- (William WorsworthMemorials of a tour in Scotland, 1803
X. Rob Roy's grave)
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- Breadalbane
This northern area including Glen Dochart, Killin and Glenogle (St Fillans and Loch Tay are excluded). This part of Highland Scotland was once owned by the notorious Campbell family and 'Black Duncan Campbell' whose castle was at Killin. Four well known Munroes lie in this area. Breadalbane includes the mountains Ben Lui, Ben Challum, Ben More and Ben Vorlich, some of Scotland’s finest Munro peaks.
National Park Aims
The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 sets out four National Park aims:
- To conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area,
- To promote sustainable use of natural resources of the area,
- To promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public
- To promote sustainable economic and social development of the area's communities.
These aims are to be pursued by all public bodies with an interest in the area, and the National Park Authority's purpose is to ensure that they are achieved in a co-ordinated way.