First, a very happy New Year to everyone. 2017 will likely not be one many recall with fondness. However, 2018 could be one we recall with horror. With all the problems of a world going mad all around us, I should make an apology for taking people's attentions to a small corner of Scotland, and away from ongoing festivities as Scotland draws breath on its two day holiday from cares. But this is important, in this brief window when we don't have to think, to pause and consider ahead. For in doing so, we might not have to sit here in a years time, looking back and saying "What the hell have we done?" So far the Culloden field sale has drawn much attention, and deservedly so, but I feel that it has drawn people away from a far worse situation with regards to the threat to our heritage. In 2018, we could see 44 acres of prime land, at the southern banks of Loch Lomond, sold off, quietly, to a private developer, who can then do more or less as he pleases. This 44 acres has one border an ancient riverbank and its equally ancient rights. And on its north border, a shoreline that is the last remnant of former days. Meanwhile in all of this is a large wooded area, a haven for wildlife and humans alike. This pocket of land is going to be the tipping point. Once sold, and as yet we have no details of the terms of the sale other than the assumption it will proceed if the purchases gets planning permission for an outline plan, once sold it will be the beginning of the end of Balloch as an open, free access township, it will begin a process of privatisation that hearkens back to the bad old days 100 years ago when all of Balloch was in private hands and all access to the loch was controlled and threatened by private interests. Make no mistake, we are heading backwards. If it were not for Balloch Park, the result of protests 100 years ago at the self same situation in the village, being owned by Glasgow Council, we'd be precisely where we were when thousands of angry people demanded access to the loch and the ending of private greed and profiteering. If 2018 is the year we turn the clock back, then for ever more we will see each New Year, a looking back, a shaking of heads, for this will not be the end. This will be the triumphant return of cash for access on Loch Lomond, this will be the beginning of the end of Balloch as it is now and has been for many generations. 2018 could be as monumental as the year the Balloch protests gave us Balloch park, but in reverse. Government remains silent, local reps dare not rock boats, and quietly, we are sleepwalking as a nation into the dark days of money being able to buy even our most sacred places for profits. And all at the hands of an unaccountable government quango. Thank you if you have already signed. But please, don't think that because it seems unthinkable it will be stopped. It wont be, not until the people speak and break the silence of government. Share, please, in this brief pause and drawing of breath. Don't let 2018 be the year we allowed the selling off of Loch Lomond's banks to be the norm again.