Scottish £40m tourism destination reaffirms pledge to create jobs for local community

A Scottish £40m sustainable tourism destination has reaffirmed its pledge that the development would provide numerous job opportunities for the local community and beyond, alongside a plethora of economic benefits, should plans be approved.

The plans for Lomond Banks in Balloch have been submitted by developers, Flamingo Land who have vowed to use local businesses and suppliers where possible during its construction. It is estimated that the development will bring with it a projected £3m gross construction GVA, £1.5m, net construction GVA in the wider region and a £2m net construction GVA to Scotland itself.

Flamingo Land are keen to highlight its Unilateral Voluntary Undertaking, known as ‘The Lomond Promise’ to the National Park, which legally binds its promises for the area into legal obligations for the proposed development.

Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “We are steadfast in our belief that Lomond Banks will bring considerable economic and social benefit to both Balloch and the wider area.

“Having listened to feedback from the community, businesses and stakeholders throughout the consultation process, we know that these issues are important to residents and so have ensured that fair working practices and supporting local businesses within the area are engrained within our legally binding ‘Lomond Promise’.

“We believe our proposal will not only revitalise the gateway to Loch Lomond but offer a wider boost to existing businesses that already operate here and provide numerous opportunities for those keen to work for a progressive and forward thinking employer. As such, Lomond Banks is committed to being an active and responsible participant of the Balloch business community for many years to come.”

Once open, the world class sustainable tourist destination will require a diverse range of workers, with potential roles available across entry-level positions to highly skilled vacancies, covering full-time, part-time and seasonal posts for the area.

The ‘Lomond Promise’ sets out within the legally binding contract that should planning permission in principle be granted, Lomond Banks will commit to providing the real living wage and ensure that there are no zero-hour contracts for the estimated 200 full-time and part-time jobs that will be required to run the eco-resort.