Ramblers Scotland has called on Alex Salmond to intervene to ensure a tiny Highland community's bid to buy 58 acres of Cape Wrath is not frustrated by the Ministry of Defence.

Local businesses in north-west Sutherland are concerned by the MoD's plan to buy the last piece of the famous peninsula it does not already own.

The Northern Lighthouse Board is selling the land around Cape Wrath Lighthouse.

Five years ago the community-led Durness Development Group registered an interest in the same piece of land under land reform legislation.

When they went to renew their interest they found the lighthouse board was in negotiations with the MoD about it taking over the land.

It owns the rest of the cape, which is used as a bombing range.

A ferry runs across to the peninsula from near Durness and a minibus company takes visitors to the lighthouse, where the only two residents run a cafe and bunkhouse business.

There is also concern that, if the MoD is successful, it would make Cape Wrath a no-go area for walkers and those trying to develop the long-distance walking route from Fort William to Cape Wrath.

Dave Morris, director of Ramblers Scotland, said the campaign to save Cape Wrath would be of interest right across Europe.

He added: "There is no doubt what should happen here – the First Minister should personally ensure the local community buy-out plans go ahead at full speed and the MoD are sent back home to think again."