A new ‘micro woodland’ has been proposed to replace the controversial Stoneymollan sculpture which was dismantled following years of criticism.
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland has confirmed a draft design has been agreed which would involve the planting of trees and two meadows with bluebells and wild flowers.
Consultation will now take place, including with Balloch and Haldane Community Council, with feedback shaping the final design.
It comes a year after the former £820,000 geese sculpture, which welcomed visitors to Loch Lomond, was torn down after being damaged by a storm.
Residents had been complaining about it since it was completed 16 years earlier, claiming it was an “ugly blemish” and dangerously distracted drivers.
Contractor Amey is implementing the project on behalf of Transport Scotland and say three proposals were prepared, with the micro woodland design chosen as the preferred option.
In a statement, they said: “Planting within the roundabout includes two separate meadow mixes, one of which incorporates native bluebells.
“Native specimen tree planting include silver birch and sessile oak.
“A knoll with a handful of oaks and bluebells towards the north side with a swathe of birches and more open ground mown for wild flowers round the south and west provides a good contrast of shapes, textures and colours across the seasons.”
Amey say the design is “greener and lower carbon” than the sculpture, with its role acting as the gateway to the national park being the main focus of the design.
They say road safety has been given the “highest priority”, with the design taking into account the chevrons and junction lighting.
Amey explained: “It was decided that an asymmetrical design would work well. The surrounding landforms and the road network coming off the roundabout are also quite asymmetrical with different widths and design speeds on each road.
“Something asymmetrical would allow for some fine tuning of the proposed trees to prevent/reduce accident risk.”
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has also been involved in the process and kept informed – however Balloch and Haldane Community Council told the Lennox Herald they haven’t been part of any discussions.
Gillian Clark, of Balloch Community Council, said: “It’s good to hear things are moving with it and we look forward to seeing the plans.”
A spokesman for Amey said: “A draft design has been agreed between Amey and Transport Scotland for the A82 Stoneymollan Roundabout, and this will shortly be issued for consultation to local stakeholders, including community councils. Feedback from the community will allow us to shape the final design for this location.”
He added that more information on the consultation process will be available soon.
A spokeswoman for Transport Scotland said: “No implementation dates have been agreed yet – Amey will implement on behalf of Transport Scotland, and will have to take into consideration peak tourist season and the necessary planting seasons.”
