Loch Lomond's islands will be a focus for police during the operation

Police and national park rangers launched a blitz on anti-social behaviour along part of Scotland’s most popular long-distance trail.

Operation Ironworks is being put into action for the sixth year along the eastern banks of Loch Lomond, route of the West Highland Way.

Police reminded visitors that there is an outright ban on the public consumption of alcohol and that the controversial prohibition of wildcamping is in force between Drymen to Rowardennan.

The operation is a joint six-month scheme led by Central Scotland Police and is run in partnership with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Forestry Commission Scotland, Strathclyde Police and Tayside Police. It came into operation today.

Chief Inspector Kevin Findlater of Central Scotland Police, said: “This is the sixth year of Operation Ironworks and we are keen to build upon the success of previous years.

“Last year saw the introduction of bylaws on east Loch Lomond. One of these prohibits the public consumption of alcohol on a year-round basis. The other bylaw restricts informal camping between 1 March and 31 October.

“These bylaws, combined with significant improvements to infrastructure and the patrols by rangers supported by police officers made a huge difference to the area, with a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour.

“It was noticeable that many families returned to the area as they felt that it was a safer place to visit and enjoy.

“Excellent work was also carried out in Balloch Castle Country Park, the west side of Loch Lomond and the islands and the Trossachs. This led to a decrease in damage to the environment and a reduction in the fear of crime.”

Bridget Jones, national park visitor experience manager, said: “The national park is already starting to get busy with visitors being brought out by the early burst of sunshine.

“It is great to be able to provide support and work alongside the three police forces that cover the park area to ensure our visitors feel safe and welcome when enjoying Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the wide range of opportunities it has to offer.

“The combined efforts of our ranger service and the police patrolling will make sure visitors are welcomed and it will also act as a deterrent to the minority that can spoil areas through acts of anti-social behaviour.”

The water and islands on Loch Lomond will be patrolled by officers from Strathclyde Police marine unit, Central Scotland Police underwater search unit and national park rangers.

Officers said this is to ensure that users of the loch act in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Loch Lomond bylaws.

The islands will also be a particular focus to ensure that campers and day visitors act in a responsible manner that does not have an adverse effect on the environment and protected wildlife.

Loch Earn will also see boat patrols by Central Scotland Police at key times. Officers from Central Scotland Police will also work with colleagues in Tayside in patrols around the shore of Loch Earn.

Visitors who witness anti-social behaviour are asked to report them to police or the national park authority. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.