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It has been enchanting visitors to Scotland for more than a century as they travel through some of the country's most stunning scenery.

But passengers on the spectacular West Highland Line could soon enjoy even better views under plans to run glass-topped trains on the service.

Stunning scenery: The West Highland Line has been enchanting visitors to Scotland for more than a century

The 164-mile line, built between 1889 and 1901, begins at Glasgow's Queen Street Station and takes in Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Fort William, Arisaig and Morar before reaching Mallaig.

Campaigners say glass-roofed trains would also enhance other routes, such as the Far North Line from Inverness to Wick and Thurso.

The prospect was revealed as the Scottish Government said it had received 'very exciting proposals' for 'scenic trains' among bids for the ScotRail franchise from next year.

Quite a sight: Campaigners say glass-topped carriages would enhance the West Highland Line which takes in spectacular scenery including Loch Lomond, pictured right

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: 'Scotland can proudly boast some of the most scenic railway journeys in the world and we are keen to exploit the tourism opportunities this affords, which is why it is a requirement of the next ScotRail franchise to include, at the very least, scenic train provision on the West Highland Line.'

The winner will be announced in the autumn. Rail enthusiast and former Tory minister Michael Portillo said: 'When you're in Switzerland and a glass-roofed train comes in, you know you're in for a treat.'

Such trains include the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St Moritz and the Bernina Express from Tirano in Italy to St Moritz.

'In for a treat': The Glacier Express between Zermatt and St Moritz features a glass roof

Passengers on the Glacier express can soak in more of the scenery thanks to the extended windows

Kat Jones of the RSPB, who has been on the Glacier Express, said: 'It would be absolutely fantastic in Scotland, so long as there wasn't an extra charge like there is in Switzerland.

'It would provide an amazing, all-round view out of both sides of the train.'

The Friends of the Far North Line said glass-roofed trains would improve passengers' view of wildlife.

Spokesman Richard Ardern said: 'I have thought this would be a good idea for some time, especially since high-backed seats started becoming the norm, thus restricting views down the carriage.

'An added bonus on the Far North Line would be the likelihood of being able to see our iconic red kites and other birds of prey and seabirds.'

Sky's the limit: Passengers admire the view inside the Glacier express as it passes through the Alps

The Bernina Express from Tirano in Italy to St Moritz also makes the most of the stunning scenery

But campaign group Railfuture Scotland said improving the view from each end of the train was a better option.

Research officer Ken Sutherland said: 'Providing front/rear end views would probably have greater priority benefits in delivering an improved passenger experience on trains operating over Scotland's scenic/tourist lines.'