John MacLeod: Offer proposed

But Mr Macleod insisted he had little option but to sell unless the government considered funding the work.

Historic Scotland has already offered several hundred thousand pounds over a number of years, but he said it was insufficient and time was running out for the ancient building.

A number of prospective buyers, including Americans, are believed to have expressed interest in the mountains.

The Crown Estate Commission launched an investigation after amid fierce criticism of the asking price from environmental groups and residents on Skye.

Doubts were raised about the ownership of the mountains and commissioners pledged to investigate.

But the commission's inquiry concluded that any legal action to establish Crown ownership of the range would have little prospect of success.