Proposals for a Scottish film studio are doomed before they start, according to an Oscar-winning film-maker.

Lord Puttnam predicted that the �20m scheme would not succeed because it faced too much competition.

"I would honestly like to be proved wrong, but I just somehow don't see it," said the 61-year-old, who won an Academy Award for Chariots of Fire.

I have looked at business plans for lots of studios over the years - I don't see a viable business plan

Lord Puttnam

Lord Puttnam - who has also been involved in films such as Local Hero, Bugsy Malone, Midnight Express, and The Killing Fields - made his comments in a speech in Inverness.

The plans for a leisure scheme and film studio at nearby Milton of Leys are backed by Scottish actor James Cosmo, ex-Eurythmics musician Dave Stewart and Aberdeen businessman Rick Wood.

Hopes have been raised that the project could bring at least two major feature films to the Highlands next year.

However, Lord Puttnam said the project was unlikely to get off the ground.

"I don't see it happening. I have looked at business plans for lots of studios over the years - I don't see a viable business plan," he said.

Technology investment

"I would honestly like to be proved wrong, but I just somehow don't see it.

"I don't see how you are going to get the continuity."

He said there were too many reasons for people to work elsewhere.

The �20m scheme

"The technology investment is so enormous, and changes so rapidly, that London production houses are having a tremendous problem keeping up with the technological spend that they are required to make just to stay in (the industry)," he said.

"What they are finding constantly is that there is something a bit better or a bit newer, sometimes a bit cheaper, on the West Coast of the United States. I remain to be convinced."

Neither Mr Cosmo nor Mr Wood was available for comment on Lord Puttnam's views, made before he delivered the first annual lecture of the UHI Millennium Institute.

Lord Puttnam spent 30 years as an independent film producer.

He was awarded a CBE in 1982, a knighthood in 1995 and was appointed to the House of Lords in 1997.