By Dave Lord

PERTH-BASED multi-millionaire Ann Gloag will today be accused of flouting access laws in a bid to build a “private kingdom.”

The Stagecoach tycoon—one of the richest women in Britain—is to be heavily criticised for erecting a seven foot security fence at a historic Perthshire beauty spot.

Ramblers Scotland chairman Chic Nash will tell delegates at his club’s annual conference that Ms Gloag built the fence at Kinfauns Castle on the outskirts of Perth prior to gaining planning permission.

The business woman will be accused of trying to “hide away national assets” within the grounds of the castle, which she recently bought.

However, The Courier last night learned that, while the fence was indeed erected without planning permission, retrospective approval has been given.

Perth and Kinross Council officers launched an investigation following complaints from the public, but granted the permission, insisting rights of way have not been obstructed.

However, such statements are unlikely to cut any ice with members of Ramblers Scotland who believe the much-hyped right to roam is being compromised.

Mr Nash will today address delegates at the conference, and is expected to launch a no-holds-barred attack on Ms Gloag.

“We want to challenge Ann Gloag, owner of Kinfauns Castle, to explain why she erected a seven-foot security fence around the castle and area of woodland without seeking planning approval in advance,” Mr Nash remarked.

He insists that the prohibited area is of “national significance” and boasts some of Scotland’s “most famous trees.”

“She is trying to stop public access to a superb area of native woodland,” Mr Nash said. “There are specimen conifers of national significance and it is the best location in Scotland to see swamp cypress, giant sequoia and coast redwood growing side by side.

“These are national assets to be enjoyed by the public, not hidden away in a private kingdom.”

Mr Nash is clearly hoping to meet those responsible for granting Ms Gloag permission for the controversial fence.

A council spokesman admitted that the fence had stimulated local concern.

“The security fence around the castle was erected in the summer of 2005 and the council’s countryside access officer contacted the proprietor to discuss how it would affect access rights,” he remarked.

“Having visited the site, consulted with the proprietor’s representative and local people, the access officer is satisfied that the new fence does not unreasonably restrict public access and that no rights of way or other well used routes have been obstructed by it.”

Indeed, the spokesman said Ms Gloag was taking action to ensure nearby rights of way were upgraded and maintained.

“In discussion with the proprietor’s representatives two important routes over the land were identified, both outwith the new fence,” he commented.

“Perth and Kinross Council approved the planning application for the conversion of Kinfauns Castle and the erection of a security fence in January 2006,” the spokesman added.

A spokesman for Ms Gloag said planning permission for the fence was in place and declined to make any further comment on the controversy.