I WOULD like to thank you for the article about the proposed development by Flamingo Land at Balloch (The £30m leisure plan dividing the bonnie banks, June 8). It was a fair and comprehensive summing-up of the situation and tried to give all points of view.
If I may, I would like to add mine to the discussion. As a person living within walking distance of Drumkinnon Woods who frequently walks my dog through them, I would like to make a few points.
I have lived in the area all my life. The walk along the riverbank from Balloch to Lomond shores is leafy, green and pleasant. At one time the railway ran along here and It would have been noisy and dirty. I would say it is an area we can be proud of and so would disagree with Andy Millar, director of Sales for Iconic Leisure. I also take issue with his comments about Drumkinnon Woods. I am glad he thinks “there are areas that are beautiful”. The crude oil pipeline he speaks of is invisible. Over many years nature has done a wonderful job! There is a fenced-off area at the entrance to the woods, but I would imagine that would always have to be there and it does not detract from an enjoyable walk.
May I finally add that on many, many walks I have seen roe deer, rabbits, squirrels birds and bluebells but never oil drums and sofas!
So I say leave the woods to walkers and wildlife! No development please.
Janet Guthrie
Balloch
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel