The £1.2 million upgrades to Loch Lomond national park including new toilets and motorhome facilities
“The place programme demonstrates what long-term strategic investment can achieve when national and local partners work together to deliver meaningful improvements at scale” – Stuart Mearns
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has outlined a £1.2 million investment to “enhance the visitor experience” at one of Scotland’s top holiday spots.
The latest phase of work sees infrastructure improvement projects at Tarbet and the Falls of Falloch progress, while proposed improvements at Balloch Pierhead will move into the design planning stage.
News of the fresh investment comes amid an ongoing controversy over a proposed Flamingo Land development. Scottish Government ministers have stalled plans for the £40m Lomond Banks resort, featuring a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants, having previously been set to give permission for the project.
The national park authority had argued that the development did not comply with environmental and nature conservation policies.
Its new £1.2m investment plan forms part of an ongoing partnership programme of prioritised improvements and upgrades to some of the busiest sites across the national park, which to date represents a combined £4.4 million investment since 2021.
Stuart Mearns, director of place at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “The place programme demonstrates what long-term strategic investment can achieve when national and local partners work together to deliver meaningful improvements at scale.
“These projects are about much more than routine facility upgrades. They’re creating improved, low-carbon infrastructure that balances local and visitor needs, restores nature, and ensures our most popular, often congested sites can be enjoyed sustainably now and for future generations - with visible improvements already underway across the national park.”
Ken Massie, head of destination and sector development at VisitScotland, said: “The Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund-supported projects at Tarbet and Rowardennan will improve the quality of the amenities for those visitors enjoying the beautiful surroundings and encourage exploring the area by bike.
“These projects in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park are part of a strategic plan to improve visitor infrastructure and promote active travel throughout the park. The Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund helps support the right facilities in places like Loch Lomond, to cater for the growing demands of both visitors and locals, and to ensure the best possible experience for all.”
Funding from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund and BMW through National Parks UK has established Tarbet as a sustainable travel hub with enhanced connections between road, active travel and water taxi routes. Rapid EV chargers are expected in early 2026.
New facilities include a cycle hub with repair station, covered parking, improved motorhome facilities, and expanded native woodland planting.
Construction is due to begin at the iconic Falls of Falloch, where rising visitor numbers have placed significant pressure on the car park and woodland paths, creating safety concerns on the adjacent A82 trunk road and damaging natural habitats, the park authority noted.
Meanwhile, following completion of the Rowardennan masterplan earlier this year, which created a long-term vision for the site, progress is said to be continuing on a new toilet block. The facility will provide year-round amenities including six large toilet cubicles, enlarged accessible facilities, a new 24-hour toilet with baby change, sheltered cycle stands, e-bike charging and a bike repair station.
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