SCOTTISH Water is to improve the environment on a key part of the country's most famous loch.

The western bank of Loch Lomond, one of Scotland's most iconic tourist attractions, will benefit from a £2million project to reduce waste in the water.

The year-long scheme is due to start in the next few days, Seven properties near Duck Bay Hotel and Marina will be linked to a new system which, instead of draining waste into the loch, will transfer all sewage to Ardoch Waste Water Treatments Works near Dumbarton.

It will provide the existing houses with a new collection system, pumping station, emergency overflow and combined sewer overflow system.

Chris Toop, Scottish Water's regional customer operations manager, said: "Everyone knows how important Loch Lomond is to the country and our tourist industry, so Scottish Water's investment is hugely important.

"It will substantially improve the environment in one of the most popular parts of the loch."

Carron Tobin, director of strategy and programmes at the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority said: "The environmental benefits from this investment will be considerable, not only for Scotland's most famous loch but also for the visitors local residents."