Loch Lomond users could finally get back out on the water over the weekend - after a popular Balloch slipway was reopened.
The Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway was open again on Saturday morning, however national park authority chiefs warned users to expect a new normal as the country continues to move out of full lockdown.
Simon Jones, director of conservation and visitor operations, insisted that safety was the first priority - with the busy slip proving a challenge to reopen.
He said: “We have a responsibility to manage the site safely and this is our number one priority, for loch users, for staff and for other visitors, businesses and local community nearby.
“The slipway is one of our most complex sites to operate given the volume and range of people using it, and the constraints of space both on and off the water when launching and retrieving crafts.
“We have been working hard to put measures in place to ensure that the slipway can operate safely. We now look forward to welcoming slipway users back to Loch Lomond.
“We know a lot of people have been looking forward to getting back out on the Loch. We now ask that they remain patient for just a little while longer when using the facility as it will not be operating as usual.
“Due to physical distancing requirements, launching and retrieving crafts is likely to take longer and we expect there to be queues. Please respect the new processes in place, as well as each other when waiting to use the slipway.
“Rangers will be on hand to guide users through the new procedures but please bear with us and be considerate as we help you to enjoy Loch Lomond safely and responsibly.”
A staggered queuing system was in place for Saturday’s reopening, whilst changing and shower facilities on the Bonnie Banks remain closed.
The National Park is also asking users to be as ready as possible in advance, having their completed documentation ready for registration or re-registration, with passengers remaining in the designated waiting area to ensure the pontoon has enough space for physical distancing while launching and retrieving.
They have also asked that cars not towing boats and trailers are parked away from the slipway site.
