A FIGHTING fund has been set up to help finance a legal battle with Stagecoach tycoon Ann Gloag over public access rights to the grounds of her Perthshire castle.

The Ramblers’ Association Scotland are hoping people who enjoy walking in the countryside will dig deep to help challenge Mrs Gloag’s court action to have her Kinfauns Castle estate exempted from right-to-roam legislation.

The two sides will clash at Perth Sheriff Court in October and the Ramblers’ Association are appealing to their members and the public to help raise £20,000 to fight their corner.

The association, which has 7000 members, has enlisted the services of QC John Campbell to challenge what they say could set a dangerous precedent.

If successful, Mrs Gloag would become the first private individual in Scotland to have her land made exempt from right-to-roam legislation.

In documents lodged with the court, Mrs Gloag maintains that fear of kidnap of family members and possible robbery are her motivation for banning ramblers from entering the estate grounds.

Unwanted press attention for herself and high-profile guests at the castle has also been cited.

A seven-foot security fence surrounds the castle and despite fierce opposition, that aspect of the battle went in her favour with Perth and Kinross Council granting retrospective approval and Historic Scotland this week admitting they were powerless to do anything about it.

The legal bid to deny access relates to 12 acres enclosed by the mile-long security fence.

In a letter of appeal to association members, chairman Ann Mitchell, says, “We must protect access rights for the benefit and enjoyment of all.

“Therefore, we are establishing the Scottish Ramblers Legal Defence Fund. This find will only be used to pay legal costs relating to Scottish access problems.

“If Ann Gloag were to win this case it would set a dangerous precedent which could be used by other landowners in Scotland who wish to exempt land from statutory access rights.”