A GREEN MSP said he is "astonished" the UK's largest private landowner was able to buy half of a multi-million pound opencast mine for £1.

The Duke of Buccleuch's company, which already owned half of the Glenmuckloch site in Dumfries and Galloway, bought the rest when coal company ATH Resources collapsed last year and is leading a restoration project on the landscape after taking on the liability.

The landmark project, praised by the Scottish Government, is initially being funded by a £9 million restoration bond held by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

It is hoped the restored section of the site will ultimately become a dual wind and hydro energy producer.

Buccleuch Estates gains all mineral rights for the site, although the estate's chief executive John Glen said it is not currently viable to mine the whole area.

Mr Glen said that only by operating the two sites to the west of Kirkconnel together could the venture be viable, but there is still a significant risk. Work is expected to begin this summer and be competed in two years, creating 60 jobs.

Mr Glen said: "We bought it for £1 on the understanding we were taking on the liability."

However, Green MSP Patrick Harvie said: "This astonishing bargain underlines the need to reform the bizarre system of land ownership in our country where a handful of wealthy individuals are reaping the rewards."

Buccleuch Estates has been working with energy firms, contractor Hargreaves Services and Dumfries and Galloway Council on the scheme to address the restoration works left unfinished when the ATH Resources went into liquidation.