RAMBLERS have renewed a call for a national park to be established on the island of Harris.

More than two years after the Scottish Government decided against the move, Ramblers Scotland urged MSPs to press the case for a third national park to be established as soon as possible.

In a briefing to MSPs before today's debate on national parks, the organisation also called for the Cairngorms National Park to be extended to protect it against wind farms.

Ramblers Scotland Director, Dave Morris, said: "The SNP Government has been too slow in developing Scotland's National Park system. Apart from extending the southern boundary of the Cairngorms National Park down to Blair Atholl, they have done virtually nothing since then to promote our national parks system.

"It is time for a third national park. The Western Isles need the economic boost that national park designation will bring to the Harris area. For the visitor to Scotland from afar, what better way to advertise the presence of outstanding scenery and wildlife on the Atlantic seaboard?"

In 2009, islanders on Harris voted overwhelmingly in favour of the island being designated as a national park. In a ballot held on the island, 732 people voted for and 311 against the move, with a turnout of nearly 72%. However, the Western Isles Council did not support the bid, so Scottish ministers decided against it in January 2011.