Waterproof footwear and clothing may help keep you dry when embarking on a journey with the new Loch Lomond bus service.

The route implemented by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority has been designed to link to existing local rail and bus services, while providing a boost to the local economy.

Last year's pilot of the service attracted more than 5,000 passengers and the new permanent service is hoped to bring even more visitors to the area.

Historic water transport routes that were popular in Victorian times will be recreated, linking nearby towns and villages as part of a full network of regular scheduled services.

Gordon Watson, director of planning and rural development at the National Park, claimed that he hoped that the service would reduce traffic around tourist hot spots.

Mr Watson said: "By supporting regular scheduled water bus services, we hope to encourage more people to explore the National Park by alternative means of transport, providing a fantastic visitor experience."