A tidal wave of public opposition is growing against controversial plans to build a sprawling resort on the banks of Loch Lomond.
More than 50,000 people have written to Planning Minister Ivan McKee in the past fortnight, urging the Scottish Government to block Flamingo Land’s proposed development.
The campaign is being championed by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, who is calling on ministers to “listen to the Scottish public, not a millionaire theme park operator”.
Flamingo Land’s plans include a water park, two hotels, more than 100 woodland lodges, 370 parking spaces and even a monorail.
Opponents argue this would scar one of Scotland’s most treasured natural landscapes.
It is already the most objected-to planning application in Scottish history.
Ahead of a public hearing last September, over 155,000 people formally objected, backed by organisations such as the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust, the Ramblers and SEPA, the Scottish Government’s own environment watchdog.
The National Park’s board unanimously rejected the application.
However, this was later overturned by a Scottish Government official, giving the green light to Flamingo Land’s divisive plans.
Neither the Planning Minister nor the First Minister have used their powers to recall and reject the decision.
This has caused further frustration among campaigners, especially as ministers recently intervened to block a horse racing track planned for the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, citing its historical importance.
Speaking this week, Ross Greer said the government was “badly wrong” in allowing the Loch Lomond project to proceed.
“They are about to let a greedy developer trash the gateway to our National Park,” he said.
“It is not too late for a u-turn.
“They can still save Loch Lomond.”
He added that the overwhelming public opposition, combined with expert advice, made the government’s position untenable.
“For nearly a decade I have campaigned alongside local residents in Balloch to stop Flamingo Land,” he said.
“We have consistently won at every stage based on the strength of evidence against these plans, only to have those victories overturned by government.”
Mr Greer questioned why ministers appeared more willing to support corporate interests over Scotland’s world-famous natural heritage.
“It is time they listened to the people of Scotland and acted to protect Loch Lomond,” he said.
He also thanked the tens of thousands who had already written to ministers and urged others to keep up the pressure.
“Together we can still stop Flamingo Land,” he said.
“Please keep sharing greens.scot/LochLomond with friends and family, and let the Scottish Government know how much the public expect them to reject these destructive plans.”
