leisure cycling and touring by visitors and residents generates £239million each year for the Scottish economy, according to a report by a transport campaign group.

Transform Scotland says Scotland should be branded as a must-visit destination for cycling to capitalise on the economic benefits.

Its report, The Value Of Cycle Tourism, published in partnership with sustainable travel organisation Sustrans Scotland, sets out recommendations for realising the full potential of leisure cycling.

Transform Scotland director Colin Howden said: "While Scotland has built up a reputation for mountain biking, much more could be done to brand Scotland as a 'must- visit' destination for cycle tourists and leisure trips."

The report comes as Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown travels to Holland to gain knowledge and first-hand experience of the country's much- admired cycling infrastructure.