An expert on the international tourist trade has claimed that a mountain range in the Scottish Highlands has the potential to become a top class resort.

Professor Terry Stevens claimed the Aviemore and the Cairngorms could become a popular destination for tourists from across the globe, but added that business and community leaders must follow the examples set by other popular resorts for this to become a reality.

He was speaking at a meeting marking the launch of a campaign to promote the area, which is being embarked upon by Aviemore, Badenoch, Strathspey and Cairngorms Marketing, an association representing the interests of local businesses.

According to the Scotsman, Professor Stevens told the conference: "What is needed is a body which provides a seamless experience for the visitor and holds it all together.

"It has to be able to improve things within the resort while marketing the destination to the world."

The region has already undergone considerable redevelopment, with the recent £80 million regeneration of Aviemore.

There are already a variety of activities on offer in the area, including skiing, rock climbing, ice-skating and hill walking.