Due to the continued efforts of volunteers, the Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust is going from strength to strength, but we still have a need to recruit more members and volunteers to make this community-based initiative a real success.
To give you an idea of what we have been up to the last month or so, volunteers continue to go door to door to sign up more of the local community as members of the trust. It is important to note that it is free to become a member and does not require you to do anything but by being a member you are not only giving the trust the much- needed member base it needs to apply to the necessary funds but it also entitles you to have a vote and a say in what the trust decides.
We also continue to meet regularly with Scottish Enterprise and have strategic meetings with Loch Lomond Trossachs National Park colleagues and other key partners —all with the primary aim of creating viable plans to safeguard the future of Balloch for current and future generations with consideration to the environment, economic development and creation of sustainable jobs.
Public meeting
On Friday, November 15th, per the invitation sent to all households in Balloch and Haldane via MSP Jackie Baillie, we met with residents to discuss the future of Balloch and what we as a community need to do to safeguard the area for current and future generations. We decided that this meeting focused on the occupants of the immediate area as we need to build a solid foundation for the trust to grow and flourish.
We had a good number of local people come forward to support our efforts, but still, we are looking to recruit volunteers who are passionate and dedicated to joining us in our mission to enhance the environment, support our local economy, and enrich the lives of those in the Balloch and Haldane area and those who enjoy visiting the area.
Why Volunteer with Us?
Volunteering with the Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about shaping the future of our community. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, local business, or simply making a positive impact where you live, your involvement can help create lasting change.
We are focused on three key areas:
- Caring for the Environment Together, we can take steps to preserve and improve the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and the surrounding areas. From clean-up initiatives to sustainable development projects, our collective efforts will ensure that future generations can enjoy the natural landscape that makes our community so special.
- Strengthening the Local Economy, Local businesses are the heartbeat of our community, and by supporting them, we can build a more resilient and thriving economy. As volunteers, you will help us explore ways to support and promote our local enterprises, attract sustainable investments, and create job opportunities for the residents of Balloch, Haldane, and beyond.
- Enhancing Community Life, At the heart of every community is its people. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity for everyone. By working together, we can develop initiatives that improve quality of life, support local families, and strengthen social ties across Balloch and Haldane.
How You Can Help
We’re looking for volunteers with a variety of skills and interests to help with different aspects of the Trust’s setup and ongoing initiatives. Whether you can commit to a few hours a week or a longer-term involvement, we would love to have you join us.
Opportunities include but are not limited to:
- Taking seat on the Board: Become actively involved in decision making to help lead the Trust’s strategic direction.
- Community Outreach: Help spread the word about the Trust’s mission and events and engage with local groups and residents and gather much needed feedback regarding what locals want and need in the area.
- Partnership Engagement: Establish, manage and build relations with local and national stakeholders.
- Event Planning: Help organise community events that raise awareness and foster a spirit of cooperation.
- Environmental Projects: Help to organise and or be part of clean-ups, and sustainability/circular economy initiatives.
- Fundraising: Assist with securing the resources needed to make our projects a reality.
- Social Media Management: Help curate and publish an online narrative that keeps the community informed on what the Trust is doing and capture the attention of those not yet signed up!
- Finance, membership, and secretarial responsibilities are all ongoing responsibilities that we will need support to manage.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved is simple! If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about the Trust, please reach out to us at info@ballochhaldanecc.com or visit our website www.ballochhaldanecc.com. We will be hosting our next meeting on Tuesday the 3rd of December at 18:30 in the Balloch House Hotel to share more about our vision and answer any questions you might have.
If you have not done so already, please sign up to become a member of the Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust via this link: – https://forms.office.com/r/ NAJCYjdMpC
If you can spare a few pounds, please donate via Go Fund Me page https://gofund.me/ a3fa93ee
Asset Transfer
As you are undoubtedly aware, to create an alternative that suits everyone, we hope to action an asset transfer of the land and buildings Lomond Banks had earmarked for development into community ownership. You can read more about the asset transfer process via this link Asset Transfer – 2015 Community Empowerment Act
Thanks
We wish to extend thanks to those who have and continue to support the work we are doing which includes but is not limited to; –
- The teams of volunteers who are giving up their spare time to aid us in our mission
- Councillor Jim Bollan
- MSP Ross Greer and MSP Dame Jackie Baillie
Next meeting
Lastly, please come along to our next meeting on Tuesday the 3rd of December at 18:30 in the Balloch House Hotel.
Everyone is welcome, and we’d love to see you there! Together, we can make Balloch and Haldane a better place to live, work, and grow. We hope you’ll join us on this exciting journey.
All the best,
Lynne, the BHCC and LLSCDT Volunteers