COVESEA lighthouse in Moray defied attempts by the Soviet Union to use it as a spy post in the Cold War.

Now, two decades after the fall of the Iron Curtain, an observation platform may be built which would allow tourists a bird's eye view of RAF Lossiemouth.

It is one of the plans put forward by members of a community buyout of the 167-year-old lighthouse, which moved a step closer after the Scottish Government gave the go-ahead for the bid.

They now have six months to raise £270,000 before the lighthouse – which was switched off this year after a review by the Northern Lighthouse Board – goes back on the market.

Built by Alan Stevenson, uncle of Robert Louis Stevenson, Covesea sits on a prominent position on the southern shore of the Moray Firth and is seen from all around.

But as well as a panoramic seaward aspect, it enjoys views over the RAF fast jet base, which locals believe could be exploited.

RAF Lossiemouth, saved from closure last year, houses three Tornado GR4 squadrons and a Sea King Search & Rescue Flight.

It will be Scotland's only RAF base when Leuchars in Fife becomes an army base, with its Typhoons leaving for Lossiemouth next year.

Tony Rook of the Lossiemouth Business Association said: "Because of its position we want to incorporate a viewing platform."