AS Vice Chair of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Community Council I have to respond to the letter (October 27) from Dr Mireille Pouget and Dr John Wright. They not only misrepresent the intentions of the proposed camping by-laws within a small area (3.7 per cent) of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, they fail to recognise the damage both to the environment and to the experience of visitors and locals in areas where relentless pressure from irresponsible camping has damaged these fragile areas over many years.

I have witnessed this damage first hand and understand the impact on local tourism. I would encourage Dr Pouget and Dr Wright to visit the area to see the impact for themselves.

Far from wanting to "keep people off the land" or for access rights to be "under threat", the proposals Dr Aileen McLeod, the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, is considering (which includes plans to invest in better camping facilities) are hoped to actively encourage people to come to the national park to have a better, safer camping experience. The transformation of the east Loch Lomond area following a similar package of measures in 2011 proves that there is no danger of "criminalising many responsible citizens" – that suggestion is both irresponsible and unhelpful at a time when these measured and proportionate proposals are being considered by the minister.

Alistair Barclay,

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Community Council,

Dalvaich Cottage, Glenbeich, Lochearnhead.