Scottish Enterprise has accused West of Scotland MSP Ross Greer of false claims regarding Loch Lomond Rowing Club using Balloch Pier as a short-term base.
Last week, the Green MSP claimed Scottish Enterprise was responsible for a decision preventing the rowing club from temporarily placing a container on the site. They are searching for a permanent base after their insurance policy forced them to relocate.
Mr Greer made further suggestions that Scottish Enterprise, which owns the land, was not allowing the club to use the location because it did not wish to place additional burdens on controversial plans to build a Flamingo Land holiday resort. The proposal was renamed Lomond Banks after 50,000 people objected to the initial plans.
However, Scottish Enterprise hit back, saying it took no decision on the matter and the plot – the slipway at Balloch Pierhead, by the Maid of the Loch – is not part of the development plans for Lomond Banks.
A Scottish Enterprise spokesman explained that the plot of the land in question is leased by Scottish Enterprise to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, so it is not a decision for Scottish Enterprise.
He said: “It is completely untrue that Scottish Enterprise has cited the ongoing negotiations over the nearby Lomond Banks site as a reason for not allowing a container on the site, or indeed that we have even refused permission.
“We are happy to do what we can to help the rowing club and urge both parties to continue discussions towards a solution.”
Mr Greer said he was pleased enterprise bosses were looking to find a solution to the situation.
He said: “I’m pleased Scottish Enterprise have now committed to resolving this with the rowing club - I hope this will allow children to continue rowing on Loch Lomond in the near future.”
A spokesperson for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority said: “Our planning team has been speaking with the rowing club regarding planning permission to site a storage container in our car park at Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway.
“This site is not part of the proposed development plans for Lomond Banks.”
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