The Scottish Government is to undertake a review of the country’s two national parks.

The survey was announced by environment minister Michael Russell, who said the study would ensure the parks are being run ‘as efficiently and effectively as possible”.

Speaking in parliament, Russell said: “The Parks have made good progress since they were established.

“Nevertheless, we are committed to simpler, more effective government and need to ask ourselves if we have the right model for running the parks and what alternatives there might be.”

The review will look at the organisation and running of the National Parks, as well as more detailed matters such as planning powers.

It will also look at whether there is a need for boundary changes.

Scotland has two national parks. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs was set up in 2002 and Cairngorms in 2003.