A community group has launched an urgent appeal calling for people and businesses to help keep Loch Lomond clean.

The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are looking for people to sponsor one of 20 bins that are situated in laybys along the A82.

In 2021, with the help of the Green Recovery funding, the community group co-ordinated a visitor management project to promote responsible tourism across Loch Lomond.

This included a seasonal village warden service covering Arrochar and Tarbet, temporary toilets at Duck Bay and Arrochar supplied by Honeywagon Co and the installation of 20 bins in laybys along the busy 13-mile tourist corridor between Arden and Tarbet.

In May last year, the “Adopt a Bonnie Banks Bin Scheme” was launched and has continued throughout 2023.

This has seen 20 tons of litter uplifted each year to help improve the overall appearance of the busy stretch of the A82.

Now the group are looking to assemble a funding package to continue the scheme in the New Year.

The cost to run the bin scheme is anticipated to be between £35,000 and £40,000, with more sponsors are needed to reach this funding goal

A spokesperson from Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs said: "Everyone loves Loch Lomond. Its principal access, the A82, is under huge pressure simply because the loch is so beautiful and because it is so accessible from Scotland’s Central belt.

"Annually, carrying six million vehicles, it is also the gateway to the country’s first and foremost National Park as well as to Argyll and the West Highlands.

"The Friends would like to thank the National Park Authority, Luss Estates, and local businesses - namely The Lodge on Loch Lomond, Duck Bay Hotel & Restaurant, Cruise Loch Lomond, Forest Holidays, Lochs & Glens Hotels, Sweeney’s Cruises and The Slanj Bar & Restaurant for sponsoring the Bonnie Banks Bin scheme this year."

They are now appealing to individuals and businesses who are interested in participating in the scheme by sponsoring a bin to contact them at info@lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk or by calling project support officer Jennifer on 07496 433134.