HILLWALKERS have hit out at plans for a “huge” increase in parking charges at one of Scotland’s most popular peaks.

Argyll and Bute Council intends to raise the cost of parking from £1 to £9 a day for two car parks at Arrochar. The car parks are the starting point for those planning to climb The Cobbler, one of the best-known hills in Scotland, and the Arrochar Alps group of Munros and Corbetts.

Writer and broadcaster Cameron McNeish branded the move “an utter disgrace”. He tweeted: “Argyll and Bute Council should be ashamed. Totally unacceptable.”

Helen Todd, Ramblers Scotland’s campaigns and policy manager, said: “We aren’t opposed to modest charges but such a drastic increase is very disappointing.”

A spokeswoman for Argyll and Bute Council said: “Year-on-year cuts to our funding mean that, like all councils, we must make changes. We have kept charges to a minimum for as long as possible.”