Loch Ken is one of South Scotland’s top visitor attractions, hosting a range of user groups including internationally envied angling matches, boating, wild swimming and a range of other outdoor activities.
The Loch Ken Management Advisory Committee (LKAMC) is a not-for-profit organisation that brings together different stakeholders and user groups around Loch Ken. The Committee has been in place since the 80’s but is now becoming much more visible and active, particularly in light of the removal of Dumfries & Galloway Council ranger services earlier this year. The LKAMC has now engaged its own Loch Ken Ranger to manage use of the Loch and to run the Boat registration scheme.
The LKAMC is also working with the Galloway Glens Scheme to explore opportunities to market and advertise the special properties of the loch and unleash its potential to drive economic activity in the wider area. Part of the relaunch of the organisation has been the appointment of a new Chairman, Balmaclellan resident Alan Smith. Alan, after accepting the role, said:
“I was flattered to have been approached by the members of the Loch Ken Advisory Management Committee to take on the role of chairman. It has been fascinating to meet the different people and organisations with a stake in the loch and we will all be working together to increase the capacity, visibility and activity of the LKAMC.
One strand of work I am particularly excited about is the ‘Loch Ken Alive’ project which will allow the appointment of a dedicated project officer to drive the launch of a new website, marketing campaign and a series of festivals and events around the loch in coming years.
We are so lucky to have such a high-quality asset on our doorstep and if the amazing properties of the loch and its place in the Galloway Dark Sky Park and UNESCO Biosphere can be harnessed and managed sustainably, we can ensure the loch is a real draw for tourists to come into the region and support local businesses. We also want to encourage the increased use of this great natural asset by everyone living and working locally.
I am confident that visitors and locals alike will be hearing a lot more about Loch Ken in the coming months and years!”
Speaking about the LKAMC running the boat registration scheme and the Loch Ken Ranger service, Alan said:
“My thanks go to Martin Smee from the Loch Ken Marina, and his son Matthew, for stepping forward and managing the boat registration scheme and the ranger service on behalf of the Loch Ken Advisory Management Committee. This allows us to advertise the loch as very much ‘open for business’. The Boat registration scheme sets out the rules and requirements for boat use on the loch, for the benefit of all. If you would like to register your boat and use the loch, please go to Loch Ken Marina, just north of Parton on the A713, or call on 01644 470220”.
Photo: The New Loch Ken Management Committee Chairman with the Loch Ken Rangers. (L-R: Matthew Smee, Alan Smith, Martin Smee)
