Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most iconic vistas, with its beautiful shores and the stunning forests and soaring mountains surrounding it.
It’s no wonder so many Scots don’t want to see that glorious landscape scarred by a massive holiday resort.
That’s exactly what Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land has proposed – a 36-acre behemoth on the Bonnie Banks, replete with a 60-room hotel, 127 lodges, a water park, swimming pool, restaurants, cafes and bars.
More than 62,000 objectors have cast their verdict on the proposal.
Green MSP Ross Greer says that means it’s the most objected to planning application in Scotland’s history.
Ironically, the previous record was held by the first attempt to build a Flamingo Land park on those shores four years ago.
Not content with stirring up a public backlash the first time, the developers came back for a second bite of the cherry.
Yet again, the plans have sparked anger from locals and campaigning politicians.
There are many concerns but questions about how the project would impact on the local environment are key.
Loch Lomond and its National Park are blessed with a wide variety of wildlife from beavers to black grouse, eagles to ospreys, pristine beaches and more.
It hardly needs anything else to attract the tourists that flood there every year.
There are those who say Scotland needs more resorts of this sort to keep tourists happy. But that is wrong-headed.
It is precisely because Scotland has some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes that tourists flock here.
We must do everything we can to preserve Scotland’s natural beauty - not bulldoze it to make way for tourist-traps that could be anywhere.
If it’s not abundantly clear to Flamingo Land by now, we don’t want this resort on our Bonnie Banks.
Lew can be happy
Lewis Capaldi has been a credit to Scotland since he exploded onto the music scene.
The singer-songwriter has become a festival favourite wherever he performs.
He has captured the hearts of the nation with songs like the worldwide smash hit Someone You loved.
And unlike many in the music world, he has never taken himself too seriously.
Lewis is always sending himself up, often hilariously for his millions of fans.
But behind the smiles and laughs there is a serious side he talks about in his new Netflix documentary.
Lewis has struggled to cope with the fame his talent and personality have brought him. He has spoken openly about the pressures that come with success despite the adoration of his fans.
Hopefully this gifted young man can find the peace of mind that will help him enjoy a happy life.
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