Opponents are still unhappy about the measures

Instead they will extend the existing shoreline 7mph limit to the islands off Luss and some other environmentally important areas.

The speed limit for the majority of the loch would remain at 56mph.

Opponents in the area argued that reducing it would harm business. The final decision now goes to ministers.

Loch Lomond National Park Authority chairman Gillie Thompson denied officials had been forced into a U-turn, insisting instead that a balance had to be struck.

A large area of the loch will remain for use by powered craft at speeds up to 56mph Park authority spokesperson

"We originally intended to do this by extending and making a very, very large barrier straight across the loch. We have reduced this by quite some bit," he said.

"We think that it now allows sportsmen and sportswomen to use the loch and at the same preserve and conserve the wildlife of the loch."

An authority spokesperson added: "This is to ensure the secluded and tranquil experience around the islands and to protect sensitive islands and shoreline.

"A large area of the loch will remain for use by powered craft at speeds up to 56mph."

The 7mph go-slow zone will now include Luss Bay, Milarrochy Bay, Drumkinnon Bay and the mouth of the Endrick and Inchcailloch.

It will cover the islands of Inchtavannach, Inchconnachan, Inchmoan and Inchcruin.

We would not regard this as a victory Kevin Lillburn Fairplay Loch Lomond

But Kevin Lillburn of campaigning group Fairplay Loch Lomond said he was still not happy.

"We would not regard this as a victory, although obviously we welcome any reduction in the scope of what was originally planned."

He added: "We and other user groups feel that the park has still failed to make a case for introducing these proposals.

"We feel that there's no evidence that they are relevant or that they are going to be effective."