A BID to recognise a heart-shaped stone pattern as a national monument to Scotland's travelling people has been backed by a government minister.

Education Secretary Michael Russell spoke in favour of the preservation of the Tinkers' Heart of Argyll, a small arrangement of quartz stones overlooking Loch Fyne. The site is said to have been used for centuries for travellers' ceremonies, although its exact origins, original location and configuration are unclear.

The landowner has pledged to continue to allow access to travellers, but her efforts have fallen short of the expectations of travelling community petitioner Jess Smith and Mr Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute.

Holyrood's Public Petitions Committee agreed to take forward the petition and write to Historic Scotland for further guidance.