Nominee Summary
Luss Estates is a diversified rural estate on the banks of Loch Lomond. The picturesque village of Luss attracts over a million visitors a year. Balancing visitors with conserving the historic nature of the village is one of the biggest challenges which the estate currently faces. The estate has interests in retail, leisure, hospitality, forestry (both commercial and native), farming, game, filming, and green energy generation. The estate also works in partnership with stakeholders in deer management and non-native invasive species management.
What makes your nominee stand out?
Luss Village welcomes over a million visitors each year. The estate is determined to improve the visitor experience for everyone. Luss Estates has built a 250 bay, fully landscaped, carpark, with e-chargers, to reduce traffic pressure in the heart of the village. Luss Village Green has been created near the centre of the village to provide a green space for visitors and residents. The disused playwark was taken back in hand from the local council and after a £80,000 redesign and install is now a vibrant and safe place for local and visiting children to play. Maintenance and safety checks are carried out or commissioned by the estate. Luss Estates carries out regular litter picks in and around the village and has collaborated with the GRAB Trust in initiating a litter picking station on Luss beach. Commercial tenants' leases include a clause for them to be responsible for regular litter picking in and around their tenancy grounds. In order to reduce visitor pressure in the heart of the village the estate has a number of commercial tenants which draw visitors around the estate. These include: In Your Element (river sledging and archery), Loch Lomond Leisure (kayak, canoe, pedallo and cycling), 4x4 Adventures (off-road driving) and the Bee School (bee-keeping lessons). Creation of the Faerie Trail, Nature Trail and Faerie Tale Farm have given thousands of families the opportunity to engage with nature and farming.
Changes that have been implemented
Luss Estates has been instrumental in the creation and participation in a local forum with the MSP, Community Council and Police to plan for visitor management. The estate has also been heavily involved in campaigning for the new traffic restrictions in Luss, which have seen permit holder only parking instigated in the heart of the small village.
Overcoming challenges
Luss Estates is and will continue to be determined to overcome challenges - there will be ! With tourist and visitor management there is always going to be a delicate balance between bringing in more visitors, which generates income, and keeping the historic nature of the village. Luss Estates works in tandem with the Development Trust and Community Council to try and ensure that the outcome is the best for residents (many of whom are local business owners) and for the future of the village.
