Hopes are rising that a year-long spotlight on Scotland's coasts and waters will bring another big sporting event to Loch Lomond.

Bosses at Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park believe the 2020 initiative could bring an event similar to the highly popular Great Scottish Swim which has been cancelled this year.

The Great Run Company announced earlier this month that the swimming event, which attracted thousands of competitors and spectators every year, would not go ahead.

Reasons for the cancellation were that it was no longer viable in its current format.

Both the national park and EventScotland, which had been a supporter of the Great Scottish Swim for a number of years, expressed disappointment at the cancellation.

However, the park is optimistic another event can be found.

In a statement, it said: "The [Great Scottish Swim] has become a key event in the national park calendar which has grown in popularity over the last five years and has enjoyed great support not just from those taking part but also the local community.

"Hosting the Great Scottish Swim and the European Championships Open Water Swimming in 2018 has proven that Loch Lomond is a fantastic sporting venue.

"We hope this will attract other open water swimming events and we are exploring options to attract other operators.

"In particular, with next year being Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, we very much hope to see a similar swimming event being staged at Loch Lomond."

The year-long celebration, being publicised on EventScotland's website, aims to spotlight and promote opportunities to enjoy Scotland’s coasts and waters.

It says: "The delivery of an exciting programme of special events is an important part of the year.

"Including its many islands, Scotland boasts a hugely varied coastline and a rich offering of inland waters in both rural and urban settings.

"Our coasts and waters are vital elements of our landscape and are greatly valued by communities and visitors alike."