AN MSP has asked a local authority to investigate complaints about an estate's apparent reluctance to allow the public to exercise the right to roam.

Rob Gibson, SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, has written to the Highland Council's access officer to ascertain what access Ledgowan Estate in Ross-shire is giving to the public.

It follows claims by two walkers that they were harassed by somebody representing the estate after they had been out walking and had come back to their car. Mr Gibson said he was shocked to read the reports and if they were true then action would need to be taken by the authorities.

Mr Gibson said: "Serious questions need to be asked of the estate. This is hardly the estate public relations that are fit for the 21st century.

"I hope that the access officer can look into the allegations. There are laws regarding the right to roam in Scotland and if they are being obstructed then good reasons are long overdue."

The Herald tried to contact the estate without success. Highland Council's access officer was unavailable.