Plans for a safe cycle route linking Highland Perthshire to the west coast of Scotland have been put forward.
Though in their infancy, Kinross-shire councillor Willie Robertson believes his idea would boost tourism throughout the region.
He has asked national charity Sustrans which advocates sustainable transport to investigate the creation of the route across central Scotland.
The organisation said the plan would be a ”long-term aspiration” given the likely costs, but agreed with the impact it could have.
Perthshire has a growing reputation as one of Scotland’s best areas for cyclists and mountain bikers.
Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been spent on improving paths, cycle routes and roads throughout Perth and Kinross.
There has also been an increase in cycle-related businesses and activity providers, while major events such as the Etape Caledonia, Highland Cycling Festival and Sportive Kinross have established the region as a location for mass participation events.
These developments, coupled with the scenery, have enabled Perth and Kinross to attract cyclists in ever larger numbers.
And Mr Robertson believes that with further investment cycling can play an even bigger role in the region’s tourism industry, which is vital to its economic success.
The route he suggests would connect Pitlochry on national cycle route seven to the west coast cycle route from Oban to Fort William.’Growing reputation’Mr Robertson said: ”There is no safe cycle route across central Scotland.
”You can reach Killin from the east on quiet, cycle-friendly routes but after that you must use the busy main trunk roads either the A82 or A85 to reach Oban or Fort William.
”I am suggesting that we create a cycle path linking Rannoch Station and Kings House Hotel at the head of Glencoe.”
Mr Robertson believes such a route would help economies in Highland Perthshire, especially villages such as Kinloch Rannoch and Tummel Bridge.
Bed and breakfasts and hotels along the way would also enjoy a spin-off.
Mr Robertson said: ”I think a ”Road to the Isles” cycle route would become a very popular journey for many cyclists.
”We should use the growing reputation Perth and Kinross has as a cycling destination to bring more jobs and more opportunities to our rural areas.”
Sustrans Scotland said it wanted to improve cycle routes across the country.
National director John Lauder told The Courier: ”This proposal would involve a significant amount of expenditure and work to bring the route up to the standard we set for the national cycle network over several miles of remote moor.
”Making this route an element in the Network would therefore be a very long-term aspiration.”
He added: ”There is no doubt that properly promoted this would be a good walking route, but we’d be happy to listen to further suggestions on appropriate new NCN routes for this part of Scotland.”