Community vision – the future

Theme 4. Sustainable tourism

Tourism is a mixed blessing. It gives the town vibrancy, provides seasonal and permanent jobs, and helps to retain services such as the post office and bank. The downside is that many residents, especially those living close to attractions such as Loch Venachar and the Bracklinn Falls, must endure illegal and dangerous parking, littering, fouling of the landscape and anti-social behaviour from visitors.

There is a belief, here, that visitors are given priority over residents, and that visitor management policy is imposed on the community without due consideration for residential amenity.

Policy making seems reactive not proactive. There is no strategic vision for Callander’s long term future as a place where people should stay for more than a few hours. We need a long-term strategic approach focussing on Callander’s potential as a place people come to to stay, to appreciate, and respect. Central to this should be environmental sustainability and ecotourism.

Camper vans staying in Callander Meadows impact the visual amenity of the area. Litter bins are inundated and campers have been observed emptying their waste into the Teith. There is no enforcement of the ban on sleeping overnight in the Meadows and some camper vans stay for more than one night.

Solutions

i. Prioritising amenities for residents

Stirling Council and the National Park should prioritise amenities for Callander residents over those for visitors. What is good for the community is good for tourism but the opposite is not necessarily so. This shift in emphasis should be recognised in all planning, tourist management and economic development policies. There should be meaningful consultation with the whole community before any major new visitor strategies or developments are considered.

ii. Callander’s future as a tourist destination

Tourism policy for Callander should refocus on our unique geological setting and our heritage, and on promoting active enjoyment of our natural environment. Upgrading the Meadows, footpaths and cycle routes will support this aim.

iii. Camper vans

Stirling Council and LLTTNP should work more constructively with community organisations to establish a serviced camper van facility within the town, away from Callander Meadows.