Several sites around Scotland's coastline were assessed

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), which is advising ministers on the choice, has drawn up a list of 16 options.

The three favourites were the Argyll coast and islands, Lochaber and Skye and the Western Isles.

They scored highest when judged on factors including wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage.

The Solway Firth, Shetland and the east Grampian coast were among the areas in the "medium" category, while Berwickshire and the north and east Moray coasts were judged as having low potential.

Shorter list

SNH is seeking views on the areas contained on the list, either through its website or by post.

It will whittle the options down before delivering a shorter list to the Scottish Executive next year.

Hugh Raven, an SNH board member and chairman of the steering group, said it had taken "an important step".

The criteria include the wildlife in each area

"In these early stages we need feedback and comments as to whether the assessment is fair and reasonable and whether some of these areas would work better than others as a park," he said.

Andrew Bachell, director for strategy and operations at SNH, said some areas scored well in marine and coastal wildlife but not so highly for landscape assets or their potential for recreation or socio-economic benefit.

"A few score highly in all categories but, even for these areas, a future stage of assessment is required," he said.