John MacLeod: �10m price tag

The commissioners say that although the present evidence does not suggest a strong basis for Crown Estate ownership of the mountains, the issue of who owns the Cuillins needs further investigation

Mr MacLeod insists a 16th century charter gives him the right to claim the mountains - but during a public meeting in Portree last month, that right was challenged repeatedly.

Earlier this month a plan to buy the mountains was put forward by the John Muir Trust.

The trust's plan involves the clan MacLeod being given a grant to restore Dunvegan Castle, allowing Mr MacLeod to reduce the sale price of the Cuillins from the present �10m.

Foreign interest

Trust director Nigel Hawkins said most people felt a realistic way forward would be for Mr MacLeod to apply for a grant from Historic Scotland or the Lottery Fund for the �6m he needs to repair Dunvegan Castle.

The trust believes that a price of between �2m and �2.5m would be a more realistic price tag, although selling agents are reported to have had interest from two unnamed foreign buyers.

Mr MacLeod has said he will not settle for a penny less than �10m, which he believes is needed for restoration work and to develop tourism in the area.

The sale includes more than 14 miles of coastline, two salmon rivers, a licensed campsite, a sheep farm, farmhouse, cottages and traditional farm buildings.