Dumfries loch could be turned into water park under new plans

Plans have been revealed to transform a loch on the outskirts of Dumfries into a water park.

The proposals submitted to the council would see the creation of Lochthorn Leisure Park which would offer a number of watersports on Auchencrieff Loch.

The aim is to provide activities such as paddle boarding, an inflatable aqua park and cable wake boarding at the site.

According to plans submitted to the local authority by applicants - Simon Underwood and Kelly Smith - the area is a “hidden gem”.

The duo have set up a Facebook page dedicated to the area.

It states: “The loch is a hidden gem with some real inherent beauty, but it has also been plagued by litter, fly-tippers and negative behaviour over the years.

“We want to protect, regenerate, conserve and maintain the woodland and loch, the habitats and wildlife.

“Over time we want to develop the educational and recreational potential of the site and to increase the involvement of the community and others.”

If approved the application states the park could be up and running this summer and money made would be “invested heavily back into the site”.

It would also help to transform the area which has been targeted by louts in recent years.

The application states: “The site generally has suffered from lack of management, maintenance and misuse following its industrial past.

“There has been a lack of management of the woodland with falling trees and limbs.

“Vandalism, drug abuse, arson and fly tipping are all evident on the site including unofficial ‘creep’ of urban boundaries into the woodland. Wildlife has also suffered with known abuse to swans on the loch.”

If approved, the applicants say it would both create new jobs and attract tourists to the area.