Move to provide more space for cars at park
Revised plans have been drawn up for extra car parking at Plean Country Park.
Stirling Council has submitted an application to its planning department for 45 parking spaces at the attraction.
The proposals feature an extension to an existing car park at the park.
Earlier this year the council withdrew an application for an extra 100 spaces, saying it was with a view to resubmitting a revised proposal in the near future.
The park has become increasingly popular in recent years., prompting the council to consider ways of extending parking provision.
One objection had been lodged by a Plean resident to the original application over concerns that a large number of mature trees may have to be cut down and a large area of the country park concreted over.
The estate is owned and managed by Stirling Council, who bought it from the National Coal Board and in 1989 before then turning it into a country park.
With a network of footpaths, the estate woodlands, scrub, wildflower meadows and ponds provide homes to many different birds and animals.
Plean Country Park is also home to the largest population of Greater Butterfly Orchids in Scotland.
The rare species is one which requires specific conditions to thrive.
There are three marked trails of different lengths starting from the car park; an orienteering course, horse trail, toilets and picnic areas.
An estimated 30,000 people a year visit the park from all over Central Scotland.
Stirling Council runs an events programme there and in recent years the estate has enjoyed being a venue for regular ParkRun events.
The park is supported by the established Friends of Plean Country Park Group.
It is a voluntary charitable organisation with the aim to conserve, enhance and promote the park for the benefit of people and the natural environment.