Pride in our Place

They may be small, but the communities of Balloch and Haldane have always known they are mighty.

How could they not be when they are the cradling arms of Loch Lomond?

With around 5500 residents, Balloch welcomes an average of four million visitors each year, and the tourists are greatly welcomed, apart from maybe the days when the shelves are emptied at the supermarket, and thereʼs no milk left!

We all know about the various plans circulating over the past 10-plus years for what could be built in Balloch and, despite the opinions on the big one, most agree something is needed to enhance the beauty already there for both residents and visitors alike.

From that thinking, Haldane & Balloch Community Council (HBCC) and Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust (LLSCDT) were formed.

Both with the aim to hear from those who live there on what they feel would be better for the area.

Together they began working with community members on a draft place plan proposal.

But what does this mean?

Lynne Somerville of BHCC / LLSCDT, explained: "The Balloch and Haldane Local Place Plan is a vital opportunity for our community to shape the future of the area we call home.

“It gives local people a strong voice in setting out our shared ambitions for Balloch, Haldane and the surrounding area, protecting what makes our community special while identifying where change and investment are needed.”

With funding from the National Park, BHCC & LLSCDT were able to bring in planning consultant Nick Wright, to help work on the plan proposal.

Chatting with Nick at one of the plan presentation days, he told me working on this has surprisingly been quite different from other plans he has worked on, as it wasnʼt about potholes and jobs being needed; it was more about places where visitors go and localsʼ aspirations for the area.

“An existing plan for Balloch was created in 2014, so it was quite out of date.

“A lot of effort has been put into Callandar over the years but Balloch, as the other main gateway, it just hasnʼt had that same effort.

“Yet as an international destination, we know it could have a lot to offer.”

After over a year of conversations and consultations with the local communities, the plan has now been registered with Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and WDC.

"What I've loved about helping the community to produce this plan is the passion that people have for their local community and its world-beating location on Loch Lomond. And who can blame them? The view of Ben Lomond across the water is stunning.

“And, as local people have said, capitalising on Balloch's location is the key to making it an even better community to live in, with more opportunity for everybody," Nick added.

The next step is to put the plan into action, and while that wonʼt happen quickly, it is a good starting point.

You can find out more about the plan at:

planballochhaldane.net