A LANDOWNER's challenge on a Wester Ross eco-lodge scheme already given planning permission has been branded a "blocking tactic" by an MSP.
Rob Gibson made his remarks as Ullapool-based businesswoman Becky Thomson, who is leading the project, said it would cost her company thousands of pounds to defend the action raised in the Court of Session.
The eco-lodge site borders Eilean Darach estate in Dundonnell. It was owned by millionaire Gordon Crawford but later handed over to his Jersey-based son, Nicholas. Mr Crawford previously followed the normal procedure for objecting to a planning application.
Followingapproval by the planning authority, Highland Council, his son has raised the action at the Court of Session.
Rob Gibson, SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross described the court order "unreasonable".
He said, "I note that the planning approval by Highland Council last September noted two issues regarding the water supply. First the existing water supply to existing properties was identified as coming from above the planned holiday units. Secondly, that the protection of existing water supplies was confirmed to primarily 'a civil matter between the parties concerned'.
"The Eilean Darach land owner Mr Crawford has not sought to resolve his concerns in the Sheriff Court. He has gone straight to the Court of Session. I cannot regard that move as in any way being civil or reasonable given the expense likely to incurred for Escape Lodge Ltd to challenge the interdict.
"Long experience of land ownership behaviour in the Highlands leads me to suspect that privacy and not water is the real issue. I hope that Escape Lodge Ltd can see off this blocking tactic."
Gordon Crawford has been reported as saying the estate lodge and fishing business, which employs four people, has a "marginal" water supply.
He has said the eco-lodge proposals will turn a marginal supply into an inadequate one.
He said Ms Thomson has a right to go back to court to challenge the estate's consulting engineers' findings and discuss whether the situation can be resolved.
However Ms Thomson already has pledges of cash to fight the action. She said, "Since I announced this on Facebook I have had pledges...towards a QC and also suggestions that we may find a QC to work pro bono for us so maybe it's not all over."
More on this story in this week's Ross-shire Journal.
