Scotgold, the company bidding to mine gold in Argyll, has said progress has been made in the planning process and with Scottish Enterprise grant funding as it pushes for production next year.

Scottish Enterprise will provide a grant of £430,000 with potential for more on the condition the firm creates about 60 jobs at the Cononish site.

The company said in a report to the London Stock Exchange it has worked with planning chiefs on securing "necessary agreements".

This included submitting a Section 75 proposal for planning gain, for financial contributions towards infrastructure or facilities like schools or affordable housing.

The report said the Scottish Enterprise regional selective assistance grant is connected to the creation 36 jobs in the first phase of the mining project with more possibly becoming available associated with 27 jobs in phase two.

Scotgold said in the report: "The company is pleased to announce that progress continues to be made in the finalisation of the planning application from the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Planning Authority (NPA).

"Since the unanimous positive 'minded to grant' decision by the board of the NPA as announced in February 2018, the company has worked with the NPA and other interested parties to secure all the necessary agreements."

The mine is expected to produce an average of 23,500 equivalent ounces of gold a year.

It is thought the nearby village of Tyndrum, a popular stop on the route north to Glencoe and Fort William, would house a visitors' centre.