More than £90,000 Raised by Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

That the Parliament thanks Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs for raising more than £90,000 in a year for good causes, which operate across the park’s area; notes that the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is an independent conservation and heritage charity, which campaigned for the creation of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, which was officially established in 2002, and has helped to provide grants to a range of groups working across the park; understands that, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity has managed to reintroduce its core activities, which include Make a Difference Days, the Young Friends outdoor programme and two major visitor management projects; confirms that the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs held its last AGM with James Fraser as Chair before his retiral; thanks James, who is a qualified planner and tourism specialist having held senior positions with tourist boards for almost 30 years, including as VisitScotland Regional Director, for his work throughout the last 13 years, ensuring that the interests of the people who stay within the area and the businesses that operate throughout Loch Lomond are placed at the heart of decision-making and that their voices are heard; understands that James, who is also Chief Executive and Trustee with The Steamship Sir Walter Scott Ltd, which is based at Loch Katrine, has played an integral part in key campaigns regarding visitor management with a view to protecting the environment, while also welcoming visitors; further understands that James has been responsible for the charity's involvement in many important planning and infrastructure matters, which are ongoing, including the upgrade of the A82; recognises that the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is stronger now thanks to his leadership, and wishes him well as he leaves the role, with John Urquhart, having been Vice Chair, now succeeding him.