Animal welfare campaigners blast plans for 'Loch Lomond wheel'

Mar 13 2009 by Tina Kemp, Lennox Herald (main ed)

ANIMAL welfare campaigners have blasted plans to site a big wheel at a Balloch visitor attraction, claiming it could seriously affect the area’s wildlife.

They argue that the ride would be a “commercial monstrosity” and would be a hazard to bats and birds – including rare ospreys spotted feeding on the loch.

Animal Concern Advice Line has lodged an objection to a planning application from Loch Lomond Shores management for a temporary siting of the wheel at The Gathering in front of Drumkinnon Tower.

It cites the obtrusiveness of the wheel, its potential danger to wildlife and the fact that a free viewing facility already exists at the tower.

Charity secretary John Robins of Cardross, a vocal opponent of Loch Lomond Aquarium at the tower, said his organisation had been contacted by members of the public worried that the wheel could be detrimental to wildlife.

He said: “While we know of no hard evidence that the big wheel could pose such a threat it is possible that it could, and there is no doubt that its construction and presence will disturb wildlife in the area and obstruct birds such as waterfowl as they come in to land on the loch.

“I believe that when Loch Lomond Shores is not open to visitors ospreys have been seen feeding on the fish which swim and bask near the surface of Drumkinnon Bay. The proposed wheel could easily deter these birds.”

Mr Robins fears that, although the application is for a temporary siting, the operators may later apply for it to be a permanent fixture – as happened with the London Eye, which was originally intended to be erected only for the millennium year.

In its objection, the charity says the structure would be out of place and attract the “wrong type” of visitor. “The national park is not Disneyland or Blackpool,” said Mr Robins, “but an area of natural beauty and an important wildlife habitat. We should encourage visitors who recognise this and come to enjoy the area as it is and not to partake of fairground rides best suited to urban commercial developments and theme parks.”

Mr Robins called on Loch Lomond Shores to instead promote the adjacent free viewing facility at the top of Drumkinnon Tower.

As part of a lease agreement, Merlin Entertainment which runs the aquarium, is obliged to make the area freely available to the public. Although there is no signage to this effect, visitors have the right to use the viewing area without buying a tickets for the aquarium or paying any admission fee.

“It would make far more sense to advertise this existing, free facility instead of creating a new commercial monstrosity on the banks of the loch,” said Mr Robins.

HAZARD: Animal rights campaigners say a big wheel at Loch Lomond Shores would be dangerous to wildlife.