It’s the idyllic village celebrated for its picturesque natural beauty and famed as one of Scotland’s most popular visitor destinations.
However, a furious row in Luss over its Hot Tottie sauna is threatening a split among locals, amid astonishing complaints over naked people in the streets, parking chaos and even allegations of sinister poison pen letters.
The outdoor steam room opened last year on the banks of Loch Lomond and quickly became a go-to spot for customers, many from neighbouring towns such as Balloch or Dumbarton.
However, problems soon arose, it’s claimed, over issues such as parking, while the sauna also operated without planning permission.
Locals have also cited sauna users being spotted ‘completely naked’ in and around the area, with many also said to be using their cars as changing rooms.
The issue has become a major topic at local community council meetings, with feelings running high and one recent discussion understood to have become ‘extremely heated’.
And, in a sinister development, there have been allegations of ‘poison pen letters’ being posted to locals.
Sources have suggested that police will attend an upcoming meeting of Luss and Arden community council.
One local said: ‘This has become a huge issue and it’s threatening to spiral.
‘There is talk that poison pen letters have been received by some people, and that’s not the sort of thing you wish to see in a village like this. The problem is that the actual population of Luss is quite small, around 400, but the number of visitors is huge, and it leads to tensions over things like parking.’
Luss was the setting for long-running television drama Take the High Road, and the source added: ‘You do wonder what Mrs Mack would have made of it.
‘Some of the other things have been out of the ordinary, with people spotted wearing robes, or without robes, and that’s not on really.’
One objector to the sauna’s retrospective planning permission application to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said: ‘I know it’s hard to believe, but yet again recently I came home to find people changing out of wet clothes in the street in front of my house, naked.
‘It’s not unknown for me to look out my kitchen window and see naked people changing in the street beside their cars.
‘My biggest concern is that children live in this village. It’s unacceptable behaviour. We feel rather intimidated and don’t feel free to wander where people are having a sauna. Luss is a conservation village and is in grave danger of being destroyed by commercialism.’
A submission by Luss community council convener Alison Charters added: ‘The siting of the sauna on the south beach will lead to a substantial increase in commercial activity in an otherwise relatively peaceful, scenic and historic setting.
‘This proposal seems part of a scheme to significantly increase commercial activity of this relatively quiet area which will benefit only a few but will be significantly detrimental to residents.’
A weekend ‘seat’ at Hot Tottie costs £15 per hour, while a one-hour private session is £100.
The operators cite its ‘idyllic location’ and state: ‘Our sauna is more than just a place to sweat it out. It’s a scenic retreat you won’t want to leave.’
While a small number of people have strongly objected, most submissions have been in favour.
One said: ‘The owners spoke at the community council expressing their desire to work with everyone and be a positive addition to the village. The sauna is on the beach, tucked away in between trees, quite some distance from any residential properties. I hope you grant planning permission.’
Another supporter said: ‘This initiative will bring a unique and valuable service to the area, promoting relaxation and wellbeing for the community.’
Hot Tottie co-owner Kieran Izzett said: ‘We started up as a chance to bring our dream to reality for everyone, and our customers love the sauna. People love getting back to nature, and that’s all we want to promote without causing issues or fuss.’
Police sources said officers were aware of ‘tensions’ over the issue but it’s understood there is no formal police involvement just now.
A spokesman for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said: ‘A retrospective planning application for the change of use of land for the siting of a mobile sauna cabin and storage shed at Luss is under review.
‘At this stage, we are unable to provide specific details regarding the timeline for a decision.’