A Hebridean guesthouse owner is thought to be the first to sue the global Tripadvisor website in a Scottish court.

Richard Gollin, who runs the six bedroomed Baille na Cille guesthouse at Uig on the west coast of Lewis, claims that negative criticism posted about his business is false and should be removed by Tripadvisor.

He is taking the travel guide to court over an alleged malicious posting.

Mr Gollin has launched a small claims action in Stornoway Sheriff Court and maintains the website has hurt business through lost bookings.

He argued the website, which is the world's largest travel site, is rife with inaccurate or false guest reviews.

Mr Gollin said that a scathing posting was made by a guest who criticised the food and claimed visitors were underfed.

Mr Gollin added that the quality of meals is good and insisted "our portions are certainly not small".

He claimed the writer gave the wrong date when he stayed "to cover his tracks" and said: "I believe that one lie should disqualify this entry.

"Tripadvisor is in dereliction of duty in failing to have proper supervision" of what goes on their website.

"All across the country people should stand up to Tripadvisor."

Mr Gollin said he has lost bookings as a result and is seeking compensation from the USA-based online holiday review guide.

He has not disclosed the level of damages sought but £3000 is the maximum limit under the small claims procedure.

Tripadvisor insists to the court it is not subject to the law in Scotland.

Its legal team from its Massachusetts headquarters in the United States has directly instructed Stornoway lawyer Angus Macdonald.

He is asking Sheriff David Sutherland to kick the case out of court, claiming it is outwith Scottish jurisdiction.

Mr Gollin, who lodged papers at the court yesterday, was originally repesenting himself but has now hired a lawyer.

Tripadvisor, which has faced a number of legal actions from businesses in England and the US, declined to speak about the case.

A spokesperson for the travel website said: "We do not comment on threatened or pending litigation."