Ross Greer brings Loch Lomond campaign back to parliament
Green MSP Ross Greer is to lead a debate in the Scottish Parliament on Flamingo Land’s controversial second attempt to build an ‘exclusive resort’ on the shores of Loch Lomond at Balloch.
Having dropped previous plans in 2019 after a campaign led by the Greens submitted a record 60,000 objections, the Yorkshire-based theme park operator recently lodged new plans for a tourist development at the same location. While campaigners have been successful in having the ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Woods removed from the plans this time, the revised proposal would still see development on a huge scale, including 127 self-catering lodges, a hotel, waterpark, monorail and more.
Scottish Greens West Scotland MSP Ross Greer said:
“I’m pleased to have secured the debate, which will give MSPs the chance to explore the issues with Flamingo Land’s plans and reflect on the concerns of local residents. While there are some welcome concessions from the developer this time – especially the exclusion of Drumkinnon Woods from the plans - the proposals are still on a scale which is totally inappropriate, and which would have huge consequences for Balloch and Loch Lomond.
“As West Dunbartonshire council pointed out last time, this would put huge pressure on local roads which already struggle to cope during tourist seasons. I’m still concerned by the effect this largely enclosed resort would have on existing local businesses, who could see trade drawn away from them. And that’s not to mention the impact such a huge development will have on the world-famous natural landscape of Loch Lomond, the very thing tourists come to see in the first place.
“One of things which makes Balloch so special is how it makes Loch Lomond accessible to anyone who can afford a train fare from Glasgow. Putting an exclusive resort in the way of that would be a step backwards.”
