Words by Amanda Eleftheriades
Photos by Caroline Finn & courtesy of Save Loch Lomond
A Renton bedroom was the unlikely launchpad for a campaign which reached the hearts of local residents, visitors from around the world, and even royalty.
The controversial proposal from Yorkshire-based Flamingo Land operator to build a £40million resort, could see a monorail, waterpark, 100 holiday lodges, two hotels, and restaurants built
beside Loch Lomond’s bonnie banks, restricting access to the water for locals and visitors alike.
In 2018 when the plans for the woodland were lodged, arguments for and against the proposal were widely shared on local Facebook groups and in the local papers.
Many in the community feared the road network wasn’t robust enough to cope with the increased traffic which would have a negative impact on local businesses; while others believed it would bring much needed jobs and tourist spend to the area.
But holistic therapist Sam Paton believed the campaign opposing the development needed to go global to be successful.
From her cosy studio in an old farm building above the Vale, she recalls how the ‘Save Loch Lomond’ campaign started, and what she learned as an activist, fighting for somewhere close to
the hearts of so many.
“Like a lot of people, I started hearing rumblings about Flamingo Land, but I had a lot of personal stuff going on at the time – my mum had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer; when she passed I was grieving and wasn’t ready to get involved.
“Then I realised the piece of land they were talking about was where I went after visiting my mum in the hospital or the hospice – it was where I could be by myself and have a good
bubble before going back to my work and my family.
“It was my wee bit.”
Research, Research, Research
After speaking to local campaigners opposing the plans and suggesting raising the profile, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
“That’s how it started – in my bedroom.
“I set up the Facebook page and Twitter account and I spoke to Ross Greer MSP, who was already fighting the campaign and loads of people at the Council.
“One of the first things I had to find out about was planning law because it was in the National Park it was different from most planning decisions – we couldn’t just go and talk to our local
councillors as the decision wasn’t up to them.
“I don’t think I slept much those first few weeks – it was just research, research, research, while being a single mum and trying to run my own business; it was crazy days!”
One of the first things Sam learned was that a petition wouldn’t work as it didn’t matter how many signatures were collected, it only counted as one objection.
So, a template letter was drafted, highlighting planning grounds why the development shouldn’t get the greenlight.
The volume of objections took the developers by surprise and the plans were withdrawn.
This gave Sam and her fellow activists time to ramp up the campaign.
“It was hard work – but that was the beginning of Save Loch Lomond,” she remembers.
While it was Sam’s heart which first led her to get involved, the more she delved into the proposal, it was her head which kept throwing up questions.
As a small business owner, she couldn’t understand the economic case for the development.
And the more she scrutinised every page of reports submitted by the company, the stronger she felt things didn’t add up.
“We hear all the time about the poverty in this area and how there isn’t enough money for local services – but we have this fantastic resource which people come to visit from all over the
world and they’re selling it off to a private company!
“That was the bit I couldn’t get out of my mind – why are they taking this prime piece of real estate away from the local community?”
Game-Changer
The next step for the campaigners was to raise funds to hire an environmental lawyer to look at the long list of queries and questions the group wanted answered.
And Sam pushed the campaign out to national and international audiences, first via social media, then on the mainstream media.
“This wasn’t going to just effect people living in Balloch and the Vale, but also tourists who come from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of Loch Lomond just as it is – they needed to know about it.”
This was the game-changer both for Sam, and the campaign.
“It was a massive learning curve for me. I’d been involved in campaigns before, but nothing like this.
“Small campaigns are different. Big campaigns everyone wants a piece of you and wants to be in the spotlight.
“There were also a lot of good people involved in lots of different ways.
“I’ve since spoken to other activists involved with big campaigns and they all say the same thing – when it becomes known around the world, you suddenly have people with political and career agendas wanting a piece of the pie.”
With growing media interest from across the globe Sam pushed herself to overcome her fear of public speaking by joining Broadcasting Scotland YouTube channel where she received
training on speaking to camera.
This helped her confidence until she was regularly broadcasting live on the channel.
And her commitment to the cause paid off.
By the time the planning application was heard by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park last September, over 150,000 letters of objection had been lodged – believed to be
the greatest number of objectors to any planning application in Scotland.
But it wasn’t without personal sacrifice both for her and her family.
She recalls advice from another campaigner: “‘Take time out.’
“I would agree 100%, you need to for your mental health – that was without a doubt the best piece of advice I was given.
“Even when I was working in my business or at home with my son, I had the phone in my hand – you need to take time for yourself.”
Her own advice to fellow campaigners: “Research, research, research and get someone you trust to work alongside you who can be a sounding board – if you’re on your own it’s hard.
“You also need to grow a thick skin.”
“People will criticise you – and you need to learn to not be defensive; avoid getting into massive discussions, they just drain your energy and time.”
Generational Activism
Sam has a history of activism in the family – her grandfather was involved with the Red Clydesiders, and she’s been surrounded by strong, independent women, all her life.
Local peace campaigner, and founder of Dumbarton District Women’s Aid, Louise Robertson, is one of the women who inspired her.
“I think a lot of people are activists – they just don’t realise it. I reckon it’s in the blood of most people around here.
“As a kid I would hear my grandfather talking about the unions and sticking up for people’s rights.
“Then as an adult I got to know Louise and hearing her stories from the Peace Camp and the campaign against Trident.
She always sees the positives; I wish I had that. She’s a very strong woman who I learned a lot from.”
Sam’s own activism was recognised last year when nominated by Ross Greer MSP as his Local Hero she was invited to join community activists from across Scotland at the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.
However, the day didn’t quite go to plan.
After an early start and two train journeys to reach the capital, Sam, accompanied by her 12-year-old son, found themselves stuck in a small stuffy room to watch the official ceremony on a TV which wasn’t working!
She explains: “I took Christopher as he sacrificed a lot of his childhood to the campaign, and he’s interested in politics.”
But being stuck in the Education Room with some biscuits she was allergic to and hard chairs unsuitable for several of the Local Heroes who, like Sam, had mobility issues, was not what she had expected.
“I could have sat at home in my jammies watching it! Our friends and family were looking for us in the Public Gallery – it just wasn’t right.
“So, it became one of those moments when you become an activist without even meaning to – but what did they expect with a room full of activists?”
Sam and many of her fellow Local Heroes turned to social media tagging their politicians and the Scottish Parliament’s civil servants and communications department, before staging
a walk-out from the cramped room.
Despite being fervent republicans Sam and Christopher eventually had an opportunity to speak to King Charles – and discovered he too supported the campaign.
“I was surprised he had a really good knowledge of the campaign and agreed the land should stay in public hands,” Sam added.
While the planning application was rejected by the National Park last September the developers have since launched an appeal.
To find out more visit Save Loch Lomond’s Facebook page.
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