Rambling laws may be re-examined

Ramblers have been prevented from going on the Ann Gloag estate

First Minister Alex Salmond has raised the prospect of re-visiting Scotland's landmark right to roam laws, in the wake of the Ann Gloag court ruling.

The Stagecoach tycoon won the right to prevent the public freely roaming her Kinfauns Castle estate in Perthshire.

Mr Salmond said the prospect of an appeal against the ruling, at Perth Sheriff Court, meant parliament should delay taking action in the meantime.

Scottish Labour has described the ruling as "worrying".

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives the public statutory access rights to the outdoors - as long as they observe responsible conduct like keeping dogs under control and respecting a landowner's privacy.

Ann Gloag, one of Scotland's richest women, had erected a fence at her estate, amid concerns over her security.

What I suggest we do is at least wait until the case gets to the court of appeal Alex Salmond First minister

Raising the issue during first minister's question time, Perth Nationalist MSP Roseanna Cunningham said: "If the judgement is sound and other similar decisions follow, it may mean that the Land Reform Act itself requires to be revisited."

The first minister raised an indication that Perth and Kinross Council may take the matter to the appeal court and pointed out that a similar access case was currently being heard in Stirlingshire.

Businessman Euan Snowie is bidding to have 40 acres round Boquhan House near Kippen exempted from the land legislation.

Following the Gloag ruling, which was the first of its kind, Mr Salmond told Holyrood: "What I suggest we do is at least wait until the case gets to the court of appeal, look at whether this judgement points to serious deficiencies in the structure of the previous act.

"If it does, and that builds up with case evidence, then - and only then I suspect - should the parliament look to see of there are any further legislative changes that are required to repair the deficiencies which may exist in an act passed by the previous administration."