Loch Lomond water speed limits come into force to tackle tragedies and disorder

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

Boat-lovers will have to slow down on key stretches of Loch Lomond with new speed limits coming into force to tackle water louts and improve public safety.

In a major shake-up of water rules on the Bonnie Banks, boats in some areas must slow down to 6kph - the equivalent of a slow walking pace. Kids under 16 must also now wear life jackets or buoyancy aids on any boat travelling through the iconic loch, including canoes, kayaks or paddleboards.

The crackdown comes amid concerns over some people using the loch irresponsibly, with a rise in cases of unsafe speeding. Loch Lomond has also seen several high-profile tragedies, including in 2021 when four people died after getting into trouble in the water during hot weather.

And in 2005, 13-year-old Holly Buchanan and her dad Angus died after being thrown overboard from their rigid inflatable boat (RIB), sparking an inquiry. Now, a raft of new byelaws aimed at improving public safety and reducing irresponsible behaviour on the loch have come into effect.

Kenny Auld, Head of Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said: “The new Loch Lomond Byelaws are an important tool for promoting public safety and responsible enjoyment of Loch Lomond, which is used by a range of different groups, from wild swimmers and water sports enthusiasts to anglers and local businesses.

“Our Ranger Team patrols Loch Lomond on a daily basis and while the vast majority of engagement with loch users is positive, it is also important to have an effective deterrent to irresponsible behaviour. There have been increased concerns about disturbance, antisocial behaviour and safety risks on Loch Lomond in recent years.

“The changes coming into force today are aimed at addressing those concerns so that Loch Lomond can be enjoyed safely by the thousands of people who spend time here every year.” Under the stricter rules, anyone who wants to take a boat with an engine out on the water must register with the National Park Authority in advance - which also applies to jet skis.

And new 6kph slow-speed zones are now in force at Balloch Castle Country Park, Duck Bay, Manse Bay, Milarrochy Bay, Luss, Sallochy and Rowardennan, marked by 6kph buoys. This means boats must drop their speed to slow walking pace.

Boundaries marking 11kph speed zones to the south of Inchtavannach, Inchmoan and Inchcruin islands have also changed. Users must slow down to 11kph - equivalent to a fast walking pace - by the time they pass through the buoys marking these zones.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

It is also now an offence to damage, remove or tamper with public rescue equipment such as emergency rescue life rings or throw lines. If someone under 16 takes out a vessel with an engine and breaches a byelaw, the registered owner or owner will be guilty of an offence.

A public consultation into the plans in 2022 showed widespread support for most of the proposals. There was a 185 per cent increase in total alleged contraventions of Loch Lomond byelaws between 2012 and 2022 - 53 per cent of which were for speeding.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.