Police Scotland and partners have relaunched Operation Ballaton for 2026, an initiative aimed at keeping visitors and communities in Balloch, Loch Lomond and surrounding areas safe during the spring and summer months. Loch Lomond area is popular with people from Renfrewshire during warm summer days.
The multi-agency operation brings together Police Scotland, British Transport Police, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, West Dunbartonshire Council, Argyll and Bute Council, ScotRail, and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority to tackle anti-social behaviour and disorder and maintain a visible presence in key areas throughout the summer months.
Chief Inspector Lynn Edwards said: “Balloch, Loch Lomond and the surrounding areas are wonderful places to visit and are particularly popular during the Easter holidays and summer months, attracting large numbers of visitors, the vast majority of which do so responsibly and without any issue.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy their time safely and respectfully, and we would ask that people are mindful of others, local communities, and the environment.
“Officers will be on high-visibility patrol alongside our partners to address any anti-social behaviour, disorder, and any associated criminality. Where issues do arise, we will take appropriate action. Anyone with concerns about behaviour in the area can approach these officers.
“We would remind the public that there are byelaws in place within the area which prohibit the consumption of alcohol and ask that these are respected.
“By working together with our partners and the public, we can help ensure everyone is able to enjoy their time in the area safely.”
Leigh Hamilton, Ranger Service Manager, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said: “As a National Park Authority, we have a responsibility to protect both people and nature and to ensure they thrive together. Operation Ballaton reflects exactly the kind of multi-agency collaboration that helps us deliver and make a real difference on the ground, and we welcome its relaunch for the 2026 visitor season.
“The Loch Lomond Byelaws are in operation across the loch, and we ask all loch users to familiarise themselves with these and respect them.
“Our shared goal is to ensure everyone feels welcome and can enjoy the National Park this Easter and into the summer, while doing so safely, responsibly, and respectfully. Through coordinated action and shared resources across all partners, we are better placed to deliver a prevention-focused approach at the known hotspot areas, both on land and water across Balloch, Loch Lomond, and the surrounding areas.
“We would also ask that visitors treat our Rangers and all partner agency colleagues with kindness and respect. They are here to help and are working hard to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Area Commander Joe McKay, Local Senior Officer for East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and any good weather which we have this year, but please do so safely.
“Deliberate or careless outdoor fires put lives, property, and the environment at risk, and they divert our crews from real emergencies. We’d urge everyone to act responsibly and help us keep the area safe.
“Wildfires are also mainly caused by human activity such as unattended campfires or barbecues as well as discarded cigarettes. These types of fires can spread rapidly and take significant resources to extinguish.
“Water safety is also important at this time of year. If you get into difficulty, lie on your back, spread out your arms and legs, and float until you feel calm. This will help stop the initial effects of cold water shock. Everyone should remember that water is still very cold, even on warm days.”
British Transport Police Inspector Victoria Graham said: “We’re pleased to be working alongside our partners again in 2026 to ensure that people can enjoy these beautiful parts of the country without fear of disruptive or criminal behaviour.
“Anyone travelling to these areas will see officers out across the network, working to reassure the public and prevent disorder. We’re asking people to please treat railway staff and fellow passengers with courtesy and respect, and for parents to be mindful of where their children are going and what they’re doing.
“As always, the focus is to help ensure that everyone can have a good time safely and responsibly. If you see something that concerns you, report it quickly by texting us on 61016, or speak to a police officer or railway staff.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: “ScotRail is pleased to continue its support for Operation Ballaton alongside our industry partners this summer. Balloch and the wider Loch Lomond area are extremely popular destinations, and we want everyone travelling with us to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
“We have already introduced a number of proactive measures to improve safety and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour. This includes tripling the number of body‑worn cameras available to staff, a vast network of CCTV cameras with intelligent video analytics, the expansion of our Travel Safe Team, and increasing staff numbers on late‑night trains across Scotland’s Railway, including to and from Balloch.
“We’re encouraging everyone to play their part throughout the summer and beyond by treating railway staff and other customers with respect. By working together, we can ensure rail travel remains a safe, reliable, and enjoyable way to reach this beautiful part of Scotland.”
West Dunbartonshire Council Chief Executive, Peter Hessett said: “Balloch is a stunning place of natural beauty which attracts visitors all year round.
“While most people who come here treat the area with respect, unfortunately there are some who engage in anti-social behaviour which is why Operation Ballaton is mobilised. This draws on joined-up resources to strengthen that cooperative approach.
“We work closely with our partners all year round and with this extra tool during peak times like Easter and summer we are making sure people feel confident and safe to visit for however long they wish to stay.”
