An artist's impression of the proposed Loch Lubnaig centre. Image: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs NPA

National park bosses have unveiled plans to transform part of the Highlands with new campsites, motorhome facilities and commercial kiosks.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said the developments would make the area a world-class destination to match California’s Yosemite.

The 5 Lochs visitor management plan, which will cost £850,000 initially, would see the establishment of a series of ‘informal’ camp sites similar to the one at Sallochy on the east shore of Loch Lomond, in an area where wild camping was banned under a national park bylaw.

Responsible wild camping is a right enshrined in Scots law under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act.

The Sallochy campsite currently charges £5 per person for each night spent there. The national park authority said it would ‘consider the approach to informal camping management in the national park as part of the review of the east Loch Lomond camping bylaws’.

Any further curtailment of wild camping rights could face opposition from outdoor enthusiasts who voiced concern at the introduction of the ban along a 16km section of the West Highland Way as it passes along the shore of Loch Lomond.

But the national park authority says informal camping in the area causes problems of anti-social behaviour, litter and damage to the environment.

Almost all the campers along the shores of the lochs in question arrive by motor vehicle and pitch their tents close to their car – the average being only 29m away.

Wild camping in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park, a right enshrined in Scots law

Rangers counted more than 2,500 tents in a six-month period last year.

The 5 Lochs plan covers around Loch Venachar, Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, Loch Achray and Loch Voil.

Other facilities planned include new toilets, parking bays, barbecue stands, picnic benches and recycling points.

In a survey conducted by the authority, 72 per cent of respondents said they wanted an increase in the number of managed campsites and 82 per cent would be willing to pay a ‘small charge’ for the planned facilities.

Linda McKay, chair of the national park authority said: “National park status across the globe stands as a quality benchmark, representing the best that countries have to offer.

“We are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful loch shore sites in Scotland and some of the most impressive landscapes in the world.

“The quality of what we offer our visitors needs to reflect the natural significance of this park. The 5 Lochs visitor management plan will help raise the standard of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park to be on a par with our US counterparts such as Yosemite where visitor needs are catered for and the tourism industry has a huge impact on the national economy.

Loch Earn was the most popular site for 'informal' camping, with 1,760 tents observed. Photo: Eleanor Miller CC-BY-SA-2.0

“By investing in high quality facilities and infrastructure, we hope to offer visitors a rounded experience in the national park and help stimulate the rural and Scottish economy.”

Local resident Alistair Barclay, a member of the visitor management group, said: “The investment in the 5 Lochs area is welcomed by the residents of the area.

“The visitor management plan tackles issues, such as litter and anti-social behaviour that have caused real problems in the area over the past few years.

“Working together we can tackle the issues and make the area a great place for people to live in, a place for tourists to visit and spend time in and an environment that reflects its national park status.

“I look forward to seeing the transformation over the next few years.”

Launching the plan on the banks of Loch Lubnaig, Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling said: “With over 7 million visitor days spent in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park generating over £205m to the local economy, the national park is a huge asset to Scotland and our rural communities.

“I am proud that we have some of the finest scenery in the world right on our doorstep and welcome the investment being made by the national park authority.

“By providing visitors with a rounded experience and enhancing popular sites with new facilities, our national parks can rival some of the world’s top visitor destinations.”

Total cost of the plan is put at £5.7m.

The full 5 Lochs visitor management plan can be seen online.