The New John Muir Trail in Central Scotland

Proposed John Muir walking trail will run from Dunbar to Helensburgh

The proposed trail would pass through central Scotland

A new long-distance route for walkers is being planned for central Scotland.

The John Muir Way, named after the 19th Century naturalist, will run from Dunbar in East Lothian, through central Scotland to Loch Lomond and Helensburgh.

Walkers will also be able to branch off from the proposed trail to other walks, such as the West Highland way

The new path will be an extension of the existing John Muir Way in East Lothian.

The Central Scotland Green Network said the route would provide an important boost for the tourism industry and help Scots get close to nature, close to home.

National parks

John Muir was born in Dunbar and left Scotland, aged 10, in 1849.

He went on to create national parks in the United States and his activism is credited with saving many wilderness areas.

John Muir Day will be marked on Saturday in the state of California, where he was one of the driving forces in establishing Yosemite National Park.

In America he has been described as "one of the patron saints of twentieth-century American environmental activity."

John Muir has been commemorated on American stamps and the Sierra Club, which he founded, is now one of the most important conservation organizations in the US.