A conservation group has urged transport chiefs to come up with a much more 'ambitious' option for an upgrade to the A82 along Loch Lomondside.

The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are calling for a "much bolder and inspiring solution" for the planned upgrade of the 17km stretch of the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan.

The group wants to see plans which are "more in keeping with the National Park setting and less environmentally damaging in such a sensitive scenic area".

Transport Scotland's proposals include a series of large and highly visible rock cuts, lengthy sections of viaduct structures built out over the loch and removal of extensive areas of protected ancient oak woodlands to develop an upgraded route that is very close to the existing A82 but wider with fewer bends.

James Fraser, chair of the Friends, said: "We are disappointed that the current proposals fall well short of what is required in this sensitive National Park setting, notwithstanding the considerable engineering and environmental constraints that exist.

"The design proposals follow the more ‘minimalist approach’ adopted for sections of the current A9 reconstruction between Perth and Inverness.

"Many opportunities to capitalise on the unique settings of both of Scotland’s National Parks [are] not being fully realised compared to some scenic routes developed elsewhere in European and North American National Parks, where more is made of the special natural qualities with imaginative wildlife crossings, scenic lookouts and outdoor recreational infrastructure.

"A more ambitious scheme that truly embraces the unique setting of the route in this part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is required which is more aligned with the vision set out in the National Park Plan that recognises the importance of protecting the internationally renowned landscape of Loch Lomond for people to enjoy and appreciate the outstanding natural and cultural heritage."

The Friends' concerns come after the Helensburgh and District Access Trust (HADAT) pleaded for Transport Scotland to rethink its plan for a 'low road' upgrade.

The Trust's members outlined their concerns at a meeting of the National Park's board on Monday. 

Following that meeting, HADAT convener John Urquhart - who is also vice-chair of the Friends - said: “We were given a very fair and considered hearing, with a number of board members demonstrating a keen awareness of the issues that we were trying to raise.

"The Park is a statutory consultee on the issue, so we are hopeful they will now do the right thing and at least request that Transport Scotland revisit the question of the proposed road alignment and conduct a full and costed analysis measuring our 'high road' option against Transport Scotland’s 'low road' option which follows the line of the existing road.”  

Mr Urquhart also thanked the other two Access Trust members who took part, Stewart Gibb and Jack Fordy, both of whom he said had made very effective contributions.

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: "We remain committed to upgrading this key strategic route along the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan.

"The design work for this challenging scheme has continued throughout the pandemic and we have recently been consulting with the public on their experiences of using this route, as we work towards publishing draft Orders. The consultation closed on November 19.

"We need to ensure that any future upgrade fits within the area’s outstanding landscape and environment and maintains the renowned beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, whilst also minimising disruption while construction takes place.

"This vital route connects the Highlands and Islands with Glasgow and the central belt and the work we are doing will lead to improved road safety and journey time reliability, as well as helping to meet the needs of business, communities and visitors alike."