MOVES TO introduce a 30kph speed limit for powered vessels on Loch Tay are being made by the Loch Tay Association.

A survey of people with an interest in the loch, residents, businesses and loch users showed that many felt byelaws were essential to preserve the tranquil character of the loch, and to control “certain types of behaviour which threaten that character, disrupt the more peaceful activities of other loch users and put the safety of loch users at risk.”

These include use of jet-skis, high-powered vessels and water-skiing.

Added impetus was given to the move this summer when, following the decision of Loch Lomond and the Tros-sachs National Park Authority to seek an 11kph speed limit over large areas of Loch Lomond, more high-speed craft—many with Loch Lomond registration numbers—began to appear on the Perthshire loch.

Now the Loch Tay Association has circulated a draft copy of the Loch Tay Registration and Navigation Byelaw 2007 to angling clubs, the three community councils round the loch and other interested parties.

At present there are mixed attitudes to allowing access to the loch to such “pleasure craft.”

Killin Breadalbane AC do not allow pleasure craft to be launched from their slipway, and steps have been taken to prevent them launching at another slipway, access is still possible elsewhere.

If approved by the Scottish Executive, the byelaw would bring in compulsory registration for all powered vessels using the loch.

It is feared increasing numbers of powered craft may have contributed to a pair of ospreys abandoning their nest on a headland on the north shore.

Part of the west end of the loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for otters, and for the breeding site for brook lamprey in the area.

The proposed bye-laws, similar to those being put forward for Loch Lomond, would also oblige all registered vessels to display a registration number.

Exempt vessels would include any used as a rescue boat; by police or by Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board bailiffs; any authorised by the Tay Liaison Committee; or any powered craft used by a riparian owner or the holder of a salmon fishing right.

One fishing boat for each riparian owner or anyone who owns a fishing right would be exempt from registration, while boats trolling for salmon would have to display a trolling shape, a 200mm diameter orange ball fixed to a pole.

The proposed byelaws would ban under-14s from navigating a powered vessel unless accompanied by a person over 18, except for vessels with an engine of less than 4hp.

There would be a ban on persons unfit through drink or drugs navigating any powered vessel.

Restricted areas are proposed for the Rivers Dochart and Lochay, the north-east section of the loch, and a beach area at Kenmore. In these areas, and within 75 metres of the shore, any vessel would be restricted to 10 kph.

Any vessel towing a water skier would have to carry two people.

Anyone wishing to parascend, or use a plane or hovercraft on the loch, would need written approval from Perth and Kinross or Stirling Council.

The byelaws would make silencers compulsory on all powered vessels and forbid anglers from discarding tackle on shore.

Operators may not use vessels “in such a manner or for such time as to give ... reasonable cause for annoyance.”