DUNBEATH Estate in Caithness is being put on the market. Plans to give

it to the nation have fallen through at the last minute.

Negotiations were well advanced between the National Trust for

Scotland and the owner, Mr Stanton Avery, 87, a Californian businessman

who bought the estate in 1977.

The transfer of the 40,000 acres, including the clifftop Dunbeath

Castle with its white-washed walls, was due to have been concluded by

May but the offer has now been withdrawn by Mr Avery.

Speaking from Dunbeath Castle yesterday, Mr Avery said he regretted

having to withdraw his offer.

He claimed the sticking point was the failure of the National Trust to

commit itself to underwriting the running costs.

However, officials of the National Trust maintained that finance was

not at issue, because #1.2m of public funds was committed to the running

of the estate if the transfer went ahead.

Any sale will have to ensure that the existing mix of crofting,

farming, and shooting is protected.