Loch Lomond could be home to a new £30m leisure resort after a theme park firm was named as the preferred developer for a site in Balloch.

The operator of Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire plans to develop a 20-hectare site at West Riverside in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

The developer operates one of the UK's most successful holiday resorts in Kirby Misperton and sees the Loch Lomond shores as the ideal location for their first investment in Scotland.

Its masterplan for the resort could include lodges, a boutique hotel, hostel and glamping pods together with a range of family based attractions and restaurants. It would be named the Iconic Leisure Resort Loch Lomond.

Scottish Enterprise, which named the firm as the preferred bidder, said Flamingo Land Ltd will be "looking to build on the success" of the current resort Loch Lomond Shores, where visitor numbers have steadily increased over the last five years to 1.25 million annually.

Gordon Gibb, chief executive of Flamingo Land Ltd, said: "We are excited by the prospect of creating a resort in the national park that recognises the importance and sensitivity of the site.

"We see huge potential on the West Riverside and view this as a fantastic opportunity to create a family oriented attraction that supports the sustainable tourism objectives of the national park.

"Loch Lomond is internationally recognised and opportunities like West Riverside are rare. We look forward to working with Scottish Enterprise, the National Park Authority and the local community of Balloch as we work up our detailed proposals for the site."

Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, said: "This announcement is a very welcome development following the successful planning charrette events held in Balloch earlier this year.

"A key point that came out of the charrette was the aspiration in the local community to see the West Riverside developed in a way that connects Lomond Shores to the village, to make the most of Balloch as a gateway to Loch Lomond.

"As the planning authority, we look forward to engaging with the developer through the planning process as they develop their masterplan for the site."

West Dunbartonshire Council leader Martin Rooney said: "This is fantastic news for West Dunbartonshire, with this major UK company planning to open its first Scottish attraction on the banks of Loch Lomond.

"We are committed to improving economic growth and employability across West Dunbartonshire, and this £30m development would have a major impact on the local area.

"Jobs will be created and it will attract more people to visit, which will be extremely positive for the local economy. This is a key site for developing the future of Balloch and I look forward to seeing the full proposals."