The Loch Ken Alive project is now underway, seeking to protect what is special about Loch Ken and the surrounding area, while releasing the economic potential that could come from one of the South of Scotland’s largest and most special bodies of freshwater, forming part of the Dark Sky Park and the UNESCO Biosphere.
The Loch Ken Alive project will include festivals, events and activities around the Loch but most important of all it will see the drafting of a new Loch Ken Plan which will seek to capitalise on the opportunities for business and communities around the Loch, from Castle Douglas to the Glenkens, while protecting and looking after the special properties of the area. This plan will consider how different groups use the loch, how it is represented on the national stage and how it can align with best practice in the 21st Century.
Next Thursday night a public event will be held, kicking off the formal process of seeking views on how a Loch Ken Plan can be developed going forward. Whether you currently use the Loch or not, you are invited to attend the event in Parton Village Hall next Thursday night, 7.30-9.00pm. It is free to attend and open to all. The event forms the start of the consultation process which will run over coming months.
This project is being led by Barnaby Fryer, the Loch Ken Alive Officer. Barnaby is now three months into his role and, in advance of the event next Thursday, said:
“’Loch Ken Alive’ is all about improving Loch Ken for the benefit of all the community. I’m really keen to hear the views of everyone who lives, works or plays around Loch Ken. We can’t build the Loch Ken Plan without the voices of the Loch Ken people! Come along to the meeting at Parton and let us know what you think.”
The Loch Ken Alive project forms part of the broader Galloway Glens Scheme. The event next Thursday is being overseen by the Loch Ken Trust, the newly formed organisation seeking to represent the different users of the Loch and the surrounding area, supporting activities in the area.
Alan Smith, Loch Ken Trust Chairman, said:
“These are exciting times for Loch Ken and the surrounding area. We are delighted to be part of Visit Scotland’s ‘Year of Coasts & Waters’ and you’ll be hearing much more about these plans in coming months. The Loch Ken Plan is the most important part of the project as we consider how best to harness the amazing potential of the area, both now and looking forward years and decades into the future. This event is only the start of this planning process. I am keen that we get as wide a range of views as possible. If you’d like to contribute, I either hope to see you next week or please contact [email protected]. We want to hear from anyone with an interest in the Loch or the surrounding area.“
If you have any queries about the Loch Ken Alive project, the event next week or if you’d like to contribute to the Loch Ken Plan process, please contact Barnaby Fryer on [email protected] or 07470 557742. You can also keep up with what’s happening on the Loch Ken Alive Facebook page www.facebook.com/lochkenalive
