TWO Scottish conservation charities have launched an urgent appeal to raise more than £1 million to buy land that once provided a hiding place for William Wallace.

The John Muir Trust and the Borders Forest Trust are bidding to buy the 5300 acre Talla and Gameshope estate in the heart of Ettrick Forest which for centuries provided sanctuary for rogues and rebels.

Once a 12th-century royal hunting forest, the area was a stronghold for legendary figures such as Wallace in his 13th century campaigns and a battleground for the endless feuding across the Scottish border.

Comprising spectacular hill country, including the summits of Great Hill, Molls Cleuch Dod, Carlavin Hill and Firthhope Rig, today it is still remote but its formerly wild qualities have been largely tamed due to overgrazing, the charities claim. It is also, they said, under threat from a number of potential developments.

If they buy the land, the two charities would allow vegetation to regenerate, plant trees, and aim to attract wildlife such as eagles and black grouse.

John Hutchison, chairman of the John Muir Trust said: "This is the finest area of wild land in the Scottish Borders. The scale of the hills and crags is breath-taking and yet it's highly accessible from central Scotland and the North of England. "

He added: "We have a unique opportunity to protect and enhance this area. In 10 years' time this property could sustain a flourishing mosaic of young woodlands and open hill tops, but we're relying on support from members of the public."

John Hunt, chairman of the Borders Forest Trust, said: "After centuries of overgrazing the land is seriously degraded in biological terms and there is huge potential for ecological restoration to bring back natural, more diverse vegetation and greatly enhanced wildlife.

"Talla and Gameshope lies at the heart of the historic Ettrick Forest and borders Carrifran Wildwood. Linking these properties would bring a large connected area under conservation management.

"This is a rare opportunity to restore a network of hills and valleys on a landscape scale, providing habitats extensive enough to be truly sustainable."

James Carnegy of estate agents CDK Galbraith said there had been significant interest in the £1.1 million estate from farmers and conservation organisations. The closing date for offers is March 14.