The ancestral family owners of a historic public park are "going ape" over a council plan to build an aerial assault course in a peaceful area of woodland.

The Maxwell family, who gifted land in Pollok Country Park to the citizens of Glasgow in 1969, are furious that the council is encouraging a private developer to create an adventure playground in woods next to the Burrell Collection.

Leisure operators Go Ape plan to charge £20-£25 for access to their course of rope bridges, swings and zip slides in a quiet area of the park.

But their proposal is described as "totally inappropriate" by the family and by a local group, who have begun a campaign to "save" the North Wood from being "privatised".

The council claims the adventure course is necessary due to a lack of activities for teenagers in the park.

They cite the results of their public consultation where 84% - almost half of them schoolchildren - were in favour.

But campaigners claim the consultation is a sham, arguing that residents were not properly informed.

Objections have been raised by both the Maxwell family and the National Trust for Scotland, whose consent for development is required.

A spokesman for the Maxwell Macdonald Family said: "We are of the firm view that this facility is inappropriate for the park.

"I doubt that the leasing of such a large proportion of the North Wood to a private company for the operation of a commercial activity falls within the spirit of the terms of the gift."

A spokeswoman for the National Trust for Scotland confirmed they have lodged an official letter of objection.

An alliance of park-goers, residents and community councils have joined forces to protest against the application, which is due to be considered by the council in the next fortnight and have organised a public meeting on January 22.

A council spokeswoman said: "We have taken a proactive approach to our consultation process and have exceeded our statutory obligations."

Tristram Mayhew, Go Ape co-founder, said: "Go Ape would bring a unique, environmentally sensitive leisure activity to the city, allowing people of all ages to explore the woods from an exciting and fun new perspective high up in the trees."