Ramblers have objected to Mrs Gloag's fence

Stagecoach tycoon Ann Gloag has been given the go-ahead for a court hearing to stop the public from walking in the grounds of Kinfauns Castle.

The case is expected to be heard at Perth Sheriff Court later this year.

If successful, she will be the first private individual to exempt her land from right-to-roam legislation.

The action is being opposed by the Ramblers Association, which has criticised Mrs Gloag for erecting a fence around her Kinfauns Castle estate.

She believes the public should be barred from her estate because she is afraid of being kidnapped and that her guests need special security and protection.

We are treating the Ann Gloag situation very seriously Dave Morris Ramblers Association Scotland

Mrs Gloag also says she stores valuable artefacts and jewellery at Kinfauns Castle and that the fence is necessary to prevent her young grandchildren from getting out.

Mrs Gloag's counsel, Mike Jones QC, said his client was "keen to make progress" in the case.

He also argued that the Ramblers Association Scotland could not be represented in court by its director Dave Morris as he was not legally qualified.

'Rare woodland'

The court writ submitted on behalf of Mrs Gloag stated: "She is, from time to time, the object of unwanted attention from the press.

"Her guests may also include individuals who may be the object of press attention."

Ramblers Association Scotland said its members had no desire to use the garden area surrounding Mrs Gloag's mansion and that the wooded part of the estate should remain open to the public.

Mr Morris said: "We are treating the Ann Gloag situation very seriously. She has already enclosed the land.