A new route through central Scotland could generate more than £2.9m for the local economy, Stirling Council's Environment and Housing Committee will hear today.

The John Muir Way is a 130-mile path which links Dunbar to Helensburgh.

It has been proposed that the route will be split into two separate trails, with one for walkers and mountain bikers between Strathblane and Wester Cameron, via the Kilpatrick Hills; and an all-use lowland path between Strathblane and Meikle Finnery, near Croftamie.

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Stirling Council has said it is now working with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to develop and implement the John Muir Way, which is expected to open in April 2014.

Discussing the plans, Environment and Housing Committee Convenor Danny Gibson said: "Around 19-miles of the John Muir Way passes through the Stirling Council area, and the communities of Strathblane, Carbeth and Croftamie.

"It is a flagship project for the Central Scotland Green Network that will help to restore and transform the Central Scotland landscape for the benefit of everyone.

"A SNH economic study suggests that in its first year, the John Muir Way could welcome over 9000 whole route users and generate £2.9 million of direct expenditure. That figure could rise to £16.3 million over five years and is in addition to day/short break users."

(JP/IT)