Arthur's Seat, a volcanic crag

The proposals are contained in the draft Nature Conservation (Scotland) Bill launched by Environment Minister Ross Finnie.

The changes cover "sites of special scientific interest" (SSSIs).

Mr Finnie said the Bill contained "robust and enforceable new powers which would apply for the first time to the activity of third parties.

Wildlife criminals

Other key points include new legislation which will place a statutory duty on public organisations to protect biodiversity.

The Bill also puts forward measures to clamp down on wildlife crime such as bird egg theft and animal snaring.

Under its terms, compensation will no longer be paid to landowners who threaten SSSIs with speculative new developments.

The link between people and place is central to the work of our public agencies Ross Finnie Environment Minister

Among the SSSIs to receive further protection are Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh and the Inner Clyde estuary in Glasgow, which is home to goldeneyes, red-throated divers and eider ducks.

Scotstown Moor in Aberdeen, which supports bogs, mineral springs and rare plants including the black-bog rush and lesser butterfly orchid, will also be covered.

Mr Finnie added: "The link between people and place is central to the work of our public agencies and that is why we are placing a new duty on all public authorities to further the conservation of biodiversity."

Consultation period

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, called the measures "a significant step forward".

Bob Howat, vice-president of NFU Scotland, said that the increased protection for SSSIs could cause some difficulty for farmers.

But he added: "We're relatively happy with where we are. We now have an appeals mechanism built in and we can go to the land court over any designation of an SSSI."

The Bill will now be subject to a three-month consultation period with bodies including Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB Scotland and WWF Scotland.

It is not expected to become law until the middle of next year.