Concerns Raised on Voter Turnout and Community Outreach
Local Stirling SNP Councillors have welcomed the election of new members to the Board of The Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park Authority, expressing hopes of a turning point in the Park’s relationship with local communities and businesses.
Following last week’s postal ballot, David Fettes for Breadalbane and Trossachs, Richard Johnson from Callander and David Mackie covering East Loch Lomond and Balloch join local Councillors Martin Earl and Gerry McGarvey to the 17-member National Park Board.
The Board agrees the overall direction of the Park Authority and oversees the work of the Chief Executive and National Park staff. The National Park is a full planning authority in its own right, balancing development proposals for social and economic growth with protection of the environment, and acts as a steward for the Park territory – managing public access to the countryside and promoting tourism.
Gene Maxwell, local Stirling Councillor for Trossachs & Teith ward, said:
‘Whilst I applaud the election of fellow Stirling residents, these results suggest more engagement from the Park with local communities is sorely needed. In several wards, only two candidates came forward despite heavy advertising of the posts and process. The percentage of ballots returned was under a third in all but one ward.
‘One of the Park’s core aims is to ‘promote sustainable social and economic development of the area’s communities, and this must be a priority for future work plans. Many of my constituents agree we need to unlock the right kind of economic development in the right places, whilst also enabling decent levels of rural housing to build sustainable communities. Through proper stewardship, we can ensure Stirling can reap the full benefits of this wonderful natural asset for generations to come.’
Rosemary Fraser, local Stirling Councillor for Forth & Endrick ward, said:
‘I welcome these new Board members to their posts, and hope they can look afresh at the work of the National Park. In particular, the gender balance of the board should be addressed – 4 women on a board of 17, 3 of whom were appointed by Scottish Ministers, is pretty poor.
‘The Park should balance demands for short-term holiday lets and rural recreational opportunities with housing needs and environmental stewardship. In many places, the number of holiday lets is now 30% or more of the available housing stock. Tourism will always be a vital part of the local economy but to be sustainable short-term lets need to be balanced with actual homes for a diverse mix of residents.’