A major drive is under way in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs to capitalise on the growth of "glamping".

The new initiative in the national park aims to provide visitors wanting to get back to nature with unusual or unique - but comfortable - accommodation in a safe environment.

And with glamping being seen as one of the most exciting and fastest growing sectors of the tourist industry, new or existing businesses are being urged to cash in on its popularity.

Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs say the prolonged spell of good summer weather has contributed to a bumper tourist season in and around the national park.

But it has highlighted a shortage of certain types of accommodation, including glamping facilities, which enable visitors to get close to nature and enjoy the National Park at its best.

To address this, the Friends - an independent conservation and heritage charity for the park - is launching a new initiative as part of a wider ecotourism project to encourage businesses to invest in glamping facilities.

With support from Scottish Enterprise, the Friends will host two glamping business workshops on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 September in Balloch and Callander.

The seminars will run from 10am to 2pm.

Led by renowned glamping expert Kate Morel, these workshops are for any individual or business considering setting up a small to medium glamping business.

Kate is an industry specialist who is also an author, speaker and business advisor in the sector.

James Fraser, chairman of the Friends, said: "These seminars are designed to provide very practical insights to the glamping industry and to help encourage the development of more glamping facilities in the national park, building on the runaway success of some recent local glamping business ventures that we plan to feature as case studies.

"This is one of the most exciting and fastest growing sectors of the tourist industry at the present time as visitors seek out more unique and rustic holiday experiences and, given the special scenic and natural heritage qualities of the national park, there is great potential for new start up businesses or existing businesses to capitalise on this growth by developing much sought after glamping facilities.’’

A number of one-to-one surgeries are also available as part of the new glamping initiative.

For further details of the seminars and surgeries and to book places email jared.bowers@lochlomond-trossachs.org or see www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk