The Loch Ken Alive project is seeking to unleash the economic potential of Loch Ken and the surrounding area, drafting a new management plan, undertaking festivals and events and marketing what is one of the jewels of the Southern Scotland landscape, with its connection to the Dark Sky Park and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. The project aims to use the Loch Ken area as an exemplar for how communities can sustainably manage assets and landscapes in the 21st century.
The work is being led by Barney Fryer, the Loch Ken Alive Officer, and is being overseen by the Loch Ken Trust, a new organisation seeking to work for the best interests of the Loch and the surrounding area. On Thursday 16th January the first consultation event took place in Parton Village Hall with more than 50 people in attendance.
Barney Fryer, speaking after the event, said:
“I would like to thank everyone who came to Parton to help kick off the consultation on the Loch Ken Plan. The room was buzzing with ideas and creativity. We used an interactive workshop tool called Ketso, to make sure everyone’s voice was heard and all ideas were captured. Although the tool was new to most people, they all embraced it with real gusto. I don’t think anyone present will look at felt in the same way again!
I am really looking forwards to the next few months, as we continue to talk to the communities around Loch Ken. If you haven’t already, please get in touch and get involved. Let’s all pull together and build a better future for everyone.”
Alan Smith, Loch Ken Trust Chairman, added:
“I add my thanks to everyone who attended and helped us get this consultation off to such a good start. The Loch Ken Trust have bold ambitions, but we need everyone’s support. Please keep an eye on progress as we get established in coming months.”
If you have any queries about the Loch Ken Alive project, or if you’d like to contribute to the Loch Ken Plan process, please contact Barnaby Fryer on [email protected] or 07470 557742. You can also keep up with what’s happening on the Loch Ken Alive Facebook page www.facebook.com/lochkenalive.
The Loch Ken Alive project is funded through the Galloway Glens Scheme, which is made possible through a generous grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with input from partners including Dumfries & Galloway Council and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. For more information about the wider Galloway Glens Scheme, please visit www.gallowayglens.org.
Photos: Loch ken Alive Public Event in Parton Village Hall on 16th January
Photo Credit: Galloway Glens Scheme
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