A council has been accused of failing to uphold the 'right to roam' in one of Scotland's most beautiful glens.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) says Perth and Kinross Council is failing in its duty over North Chesthill Estate, owned by Major Alastair Riddell, in Glen Lyon.

The MCofS says it and staff from Perth and Kinross Council, Perth and Kinross Local Access Forum, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Ramblers Scotland had all been involved in trying to come to an amicable access solution with the owner.

However, the MCofS says that on the SNH 'Heading for the Hills' website, between September 15 and October 15, the owner had said stalking would be taking place on at least 25 days.

In a letter to Perth & Kinross Council Chief Executive Bernadette Malone, MCofS Chief Officer David Gibson said: "This blanket closure is completely unacceptable and outwith the spirit of the access legislation."

But a spokeswoman said: "The council is fulfilling its legal obligations and is committed to utilising the resources available for dealing with obstruction cases as effectively as possible."

Major Riddell insists he has made every effort to accommodate walkers while endeavouring to run a sheep and stalking business.