MOUNTAINEERING Scotland is urging Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Park Authority Board to delay the implementation of camping byelaws by a year.
David Gibson, of Mountaineering Scotland, said: ‘If the proposals are approved, the lack of on-the-ground clarity about camping management zones and provision could lead to the criminalisation of people who might believe they are camping or resting at night during a journey, which would otherwise be within their rights by complying with the provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Acts and Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
‘The proposed permit scheme will also impose costs of £7 per night on people who would otherwise be able to enjoy free access to the outdoors. The park authority is resorting to byelaws which are unnecessary as they, with Police Scotland, already had the powers to act against the limited few who cause nuisance and damage.’