A bid to open Scotland's first commercial gold and silver mine - to be located in Loch Lomond National Park - has been boosted by news that planning officials have recommended approval of the project.

This latest development was welcomed by Scotgold Resources which wants to mine at Cononish, near Tyndrum.

It has emerged today that the Parks Board of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority will consider the plans on 24-25 October.

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Scotgold had submitted revised plans in July this year after dropping an appeal after its first application was rejected by the park authority in August 2010.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said in August its objections to the fresh proposals could be overcome, if further commitments were made to guard against the long-term environmental effects of the mine.

If Scotgold secures planning permission, it expects the mine to produce 20,000oz of gold and 80,000oz of silver a year.

It would be the first time gold has been successfully extracted from a Scottish mine for more than 500 years, with both construction and mining jobs being created as a result.

(BMcC)