The size and style of Scotland's newest national park in the Cairngorms has been debated at a meeting of a Holyrood committee in the Highlands.

Local groups have been giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament's rural affairs committee at a busy meeting in Kingussie.

It was the last chance for locals to influence opinion before ministers make their final decision at the end of this month.

The proposals to create the UK's largest national park in the Cairngorms were unveiled in May.

Half of Dinnet's in it and half of Dinnet isnae in it

Bill Wright Cairngorms Campaign

The planned park would cover an area from Grantown-on-Spey in the north to the Glenshee ski area in the south.

It would extend to Ballater in the east and Kingussie and Newtonmore in the west, and it would have a massive impact on the local area and its economy.

Many are anxious about the proposed boundaries.

Bill Wright from the Cairngorms Campaign said it was what was left out that was at issue.

He said: "The boundaries are really quite inexplicable.

"We are looking at some of the most remote mountain tops in Europe being cut in half.

Ironed out

"The national park has been reduced by 40% and in the case of some settlements such as Dinnet for example.

"Half of Dinnet's in it and half of Dinnet isnae in it."

Another bone of contention is who should have the final say over planning.

The majority of those who replied during consultation said they wanted that power given to the park's board.

But the draft proposals say it should stay with Highland Council.

The details of the national park have been a long time in the planning.

Scotland's first national park covers the Trossachs

Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles, who sits on the rural affairs committee, said the concerns must be ironed out before any action can be taken.

He said: "The executive has to listen and I, for one, am not going to support this proposal unless there are drastic changes in both planning and boundaries for the park."

Committee convener, Tory MSP Alex Fergusson, said all the issues would be thrashed out before any decision is made.

"This is a significant step in the formation of a very large national park.

"It has got be right first time. Yes, there is room to change things if it is got wrong but I think we would all agree the best way to go about it is to get it right first time."

The report will go to the deputy environment minister Allan Wilson who could have his final decision by the end of this month.

Scotland's first national park at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs was officially opened in July by the Princess Royal.