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Thursday, 24 May 2007, 21:03 GMT 22:03 UK

'Frustration' at estate's closure

Boquhan Estate, near Kippen, Stirlingshire A local resident has told of her frustration at being locked out of a Stirlingshire country estate where she had walked for years.

Marian McGloin was giving evidence in a test case which challenges the "right to roam" legislation.

Businessman Euan Snowie is bidding to have 40 acres round Boquhan House near Kippen exempted from the Land Reform Act's right-to-roam provisions.

Stirling Council is fighting the application at Stirling Sheriff Court.

The court earlier heard that Mr Snowie was concerned for the security of himself, his wife Claire, and their two children amid fears they could be kidnapped and held to ransom.

"I was so frustrated I climbed over the wall"
Marian McGloin

Mr Snowie, 39, locked the main carriage gates to the estate in 2005 after his family waste management company was sold for millions.

On the final day of evidence, Mrs McGloin said she used to take a short cut through the estate two or three times a week to get to her brother's house.

The 58-year-old social care officer told the court that two years ago she found the pedestrian gate had been shut with a padlock and chain.

"I was so frustrated I climbed over the wall," she said.

"It was quite high, and I haven't done it again.

"I can't get to my brother's house now, with the gates being closed."

Access laws

Her sister-in-law, Quita Lewis, said she had walked and cycled on the estate for 30 years and used to take her children to play in the woods.

The 57-year-old teacher said: "I went there quite frequently until the gate was shut."

Asked why she had not taken the matter up directly with Mr Snowie, she replied: "After the gates were shut, a countryside ranger told me the council knew about it.

"I realised that with the access laws changing, it was a case of access for everybody and not just for me."

The case has been formally adjourned until 2 July.

Sheriff Andrew Cubie's determination is not expected until the autumn.



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Related to this story:
Landowner's family 'kidnap risk' (23 May 07 |  Tayside and Central )
Landowner tells of 'rude' public (22 May 07 |  Tayside and Central )
Access row tycoon's safety fears (22 May 07 |  Tayside and Central )
Sheriff to make visit to estate (04 May 07 |  Tayside and Central )

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Stirling Council
Scottish Courts
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