A Highland landowner accused of blocking public access to a popular Cairngorms estate has denied knowledge of complaints about three locked gates which have been installed across the route, part of the Speyside Way.

Ramblers Scotland have called on the owners of the Kinrara Estate, south of Aviemore to remove the electronic gates which block access to the route, also known as the "Whisky Trail".

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is investigating the gates as a possible breach of public access rights and says it has written to the owners. However a representative of the Estate's owners told the Herald no letter had been received.

Under the Land Reform Act, people who own and manage land must in most circumstances ensure public access is facilitated. Gates are permitted but only if access for ramblers and others is maintained.

Ramblers Scotland said the gates, which block three tarmac entrances to the estate, prevent walkers, cyclists and horse-riders from using the route.

Brendan Paddy, director of Ramblers Scotland, said: “We fully support the CNPA in their efforts to tackle these gates, which should never have appeared in the first place.

“It’s extremely disappointing that a public body is having to spend time and money on such an avoidable problem, and that access remains blocked during the peak summer season.

“We call upon Kinrara Estate to remove the gates now, so that tourists and residents can once again exercise their access rights, join the Speyside Way and enjoy the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.”

For more than a decade, Kinrara Estate opposed the construction of an extension of the Speyside Way across its land, on what is the most natural route between Aviemore and Newtonmore. In 2012, the Cairngorms National Park Authority served a Path Order to ensure the extension could go ahead – the first time this legal measure was ever used in Scotland.

Murray Ferguson, CNPA director of planning, said the estate had a history of being "not particularly positive" about access. However he confirmed the authority was investigating why access rights had now been obstructed.

"The landowners may have a perfectly good reason for putting these gates there, but they normally would be expected to make provision for people to go around one side on foot or on a bike.

"We have written to the estate to find out why they have put up the gates in this way."

He said the letters had gone out less than a fortnight ago and the owners had 21 days to reply. "If need be we can use the legislation to force them to remove these gates, but we would rather find another solution," he said. "no reply has yet been received."

Kevin Fletcher who is listed as one of the officers responsible for the Kinrara Estate by Companies House told the Herald he had no knowledge of the dispute, and said the gates were on a part of the estate comprising 1000 acres which was in other ownership.

Jason Lewis, of factors Savill's which does speak for the owners of the relevant part of the estate, said "We are looking into the situation at present. The CNPA have not sent any letters to us. None of the other owners have received any letters."

He said the owners had not contacted the CNPA "It is for them to contact us if there are any concerns," he said.

The Speyside Way links the heart of the Cairngorms with the Moray coast and has been designated as one of Scotland’s Great Trails by Scottish Natural Heritage. Public access in Scotland is based on a balance of rights and responsibilities. Walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and paddlers can enjoy access rights, provided they act responsibly in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.