CALLS have been made to site a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) rescue boat at Loch Lomond.

Helensburgh and Lomond’s MSP Jackie Baillie made the request to the Scottish Government after four people died in the space of 24 hours in two tragic incidents on the loch in July.

Though there is already the volunteer-run Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, based in Luss, Jackie Baillie has asked for an urgent review into the location of SFRS assets so that a boat is based at Loch Lomond.

Ms Baillie said: “Far too many people have tragically lost their lives throughout the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The Luss rescue boat does a fantastic job, but it cannot be the only source of rescue given that the loch is 39 kilometres long. It is vitally important that the SFRS team review the locations of their rescue boats. Having one 25 minutes away is simply not good enough.

READ MORE: Loch Lomond swimming event is back with a splash

“Scottish Fire and Rescue must station a rescue boat at Loch Lomond to avoid further deaths.”

SFRS assistant chief officer Stuart Stevens said: “Our thoughts remain with all of those affected by the recent tragic events at Loch Lomond and around the country.

“We have written to Ms Baillie offering a meeting to discuss her concerns and to highlight how our resources are co-ordinated and subject to regular review to ensure our crews can respond safely and effectively alongside our partners to emergencies.”

A spokesperson for the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat declined to comment.