Since 2011 Optical Express have supported Friends of Loch Lomond, an independent conservation and heritage charity who work to protect, promote and provide for Loch Lomond, a picturesque area of Scotland which embraces precious mountains, lochs and glens spanning more than 720 square miles.
Optical Express have provided the charity with financial support over a number of years with donations totalling more than £21,000 most significantly to support the rescue of the Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre. Located in Lochgoilhead, The Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre is a multi-activity residential facility which provides leisure and learning services for people of all ages, specifically stimulating young people to become more involved and interested in understanding and enjoying the special qualities of the National Park
The Centre was closed in the summer of 2011 due to budget cuts, however, thanks to the help and support of Optical Express, the Centre was taken over by the Friends of Loch Lomond Group and reopened in November 2011 with a number of significant improvements made to the facility.
Not only did Optical Express contribute to the reopening of the Centre financially, but also provided marketing support through the creation of video assets as well as arranging the employment of a charity consultant to help the Centre secure future funding.
Since it’s reopening the Centre has played host to thousands of young people on residential outdoor adventures and environmental courses with no public subsidy.