The positive update comes after a meeting between Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell, Naturescot’s area manager Ian Bray and Lochmaben community council chairman Colin Davidson at Holyrood last Thursday.
Earlier this year, the community increased awareness of the loch’s situation with a ‘Save our Loch’ campaign and a petition, with the aim of putting pressure on the organisations to act.
At the meeting it was agreed that Naturescot will provide assistance to the community to put together a plan to help control the infestation.
Naturescot will also provide advice on funding to get the work carried out by specialists.
Initial clearance will concentrate on controlling the lily’s growth and spread to facilitate future, more permanent eradication. It’s anticipated work will commence early next year before new growth takes hold.
Naturescot also agreed to work with SEPA to pursue the implementation of anti-pollution measures.
Following the meeting, Mr Davidson said that a “full and positive discussion took place” and he was “hopeful that progress will soon be made to overcome the issues affecting the loch”.
He added: “Whilst it is disappointing that the burden of looking after this Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) location had fallen on community volunteers, the relevant organisations are now stepping up to the mark.
“They fully recognise the importance of the Mill Loch environment and its impact on the surrounding areas.
“We value the knowledge and experience they will provide.
“The community also acknowledge the support provided by Mr Mundell, whose help has enabled progress to be made.”
Oliver Mundell welcomed the fact that Naturescot appeared to be fully engaging with the serious environmental issues at the loch.
He said: “This is an important site with SSSI status and is linked to a number of other lochs and water courses in and around Lochmaben and its ongoing protection has been largely due to the enthusiastic efforts of the local community.
“I know from my own visits what a scenic and natural asset the Mill Loch is locally and nationally and it was important that it became a higher priority for the Scottish Government’s statutory agencies.
“I welcome the fact the meeting I arranged at the Scottish Parliament has proved helpful in bringing forward practical support to try to remedy pollution concerns and long-standing risks posed by the fringe lily infestation.
“I intend monitoring progress closely in the months and years to come.”
