New tourist facilities at one of Scotland's national parks will put the attraction on a par with Yosemite in the US, management has said.

Over the next five years the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will benefit from new campsites, toilets and recycling banks, as well as parking bays, barbecue stands and picnic benches.

The 5 Lochs Visitor Management Plan covers sites around Loch Venachar, Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, Loch Achray and Loch Voil.

The National Park Authority will invest £850,000 in the first stage of development and said it is working with local communities and the public and private sectors for the next stages of investment.

Authority chairwoman Linda McKay said: "We are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful loch shore sites in Scotland and some of the most impressive landscapes in the world.

"The 5 Lochs Visitor Management Plan will help raise the standard of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to be on a par with our US counterparts such as Yosemite, where visitor needs are catered for and the tourism industry has a huge impact on the national economy.

"By investing in high-quality facilities and infrastructure, we hope to offer visitors a rounded experience in the National Park and help stimulate the rural and Scottish economy."

The National Park Authority has submitted planning proposals to start the five-year plan at Loch Lubnaig in February next year.

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: "With over seven million visitor days spent in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park generating over £205 million to the local economy, the National Park is a huge asset to Scotland and our rural communities.

"By providing visitors with a rounded experience and enhancing popular sites with new facilities, our national parks can rival some of the world's top visitor destinations."