A new marketing initiative has been launched in order to promote Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and to harness the potential of activities-related businesses in the area.

The Go Smile Outdoors initiative was launched by broadcaster Muriel Gray at the National Park Gateway Centre (NPGC) in Balloch and involves 30 small, independent businesses working together to promote more than 40 different activities – from walking and cycling to cliff jumping and canyoning – which can be enjoyed in the area.

An activities booking line has been set up at the NPGC which will be supported by the Go Smile Outdoors campaign, which includes the distribution of 60,000 leaflets, a series of exhibitions and a website.

The initiative is being co-ordinated by the Argyll, The Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and The Trossachs Tourist Board (ATB) while match-funding has been secured from the Loch Lomond and Rural Stirling LEADER + programme and Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley.

Chief executive of the ATB, James Fraser, said: “Visitors expect to find a wide range of outdoor activities in a national park and it is important we make it easy for them to have access to what is on offer.”

Chair of the Go Outdoors group, David Rossetter, added: “A key aim of this initiative is to overcome the perception that other activity operators in the local area represent competition.

“By working together, we can raise our profile in the face of national and international competition and maximise the potential offered by the national park.” Details: wwww.gosmileoutdoors.co.uk