Police have pledged to crack down on anti-social behaviour at Loch Lomond during the busy Easter holidays.
Officers say they are working with partners to tackle littering, outdoor drinking, inconsiderate parking and water safety, which comes after four people died in the loch last summer.
Police Scotland will work with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, West Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and transport providers, to allocate and distribute resources, along with increased visible patrols.
Inspector Morven Sutherland said: “We know that Loch Lomond is a major attraction along with other beauty spots and open spaces such as Balloch Park, all of which are especially popular with families and young people.
“We want all visitors to the area and locals to enjoy being outdoors and to be safe doing so.
“This means making sure you are aware of safety around water, taking home litter, parking considerately and being respectful to others.
“In good weather we see a number of young adults and teenagers in particular, coming to the area to spend the day drinking, and I want them to be aware that byelaws prevent the consumption of alcohol in public places.
“In addition drinking near water can lead to reckless behaviour which in turn can lead to people ending up in the water, being injured and even dying as a result.
“Everyone in the community can help and I am also asking parents and guardians to help us by speaking to young people and encouraging them to behave responsibly.”
Area Commander Joe McKay, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s local senior officer for Argyll and Bute, East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire, said: “Safety is our top priority and we are asking the public to be aware of the dangers around water and the potential for wildfires which can start unintentionally, as well as incidents of deliberate fire setting.
“Please act safely and responsibly in the outdoors and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and read the safety information on our website.”
Kenny Auld, head of visitor services at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, urged people to plan ahead before visiting the park.
He said: “Our rangers will be providing advice and information to visitors while byelaws cover camping and fire lighting at many popular shore sites.”
Inspector Alasdair McWhirter of British Transport Police said patrols had been increased on the rail network to deter offending, stating: “During the Easter break there will be increased high visibility patrols on stations and in trains.
“We will take action to ensure the railway is a safe place for everyone using it.”
Inspector Sutherland added: “We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and anyone involved in criminality will be robustly dealt with.
“Anyone with concerns should speak to any police officer or report this via 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
