More than 5,000 Bute islanders have the opportunity to vote on plans to buy a forest owned by film director Richard Attenborough.

The community buyout proposal of the 2,000 acre Rhubodach Forest is valued at £1.4m.

Bute Community Land Company, which has been set up to organise the buyout, aims raise the funds for the project using public grants and loans.

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This will be Scotland's biggest ever ballot on a community buyout proposal.

In order for the plans to go ahead over half of the 5,000 islanders must vote in favour of the project before Thursday.

Christine McArthur, a director of Bute Community Land Company, said: "During community buyouts in smaller islands, like Eigg or Gigha, fewer than 100 were eligible to vote.

"Here we've got well over 5,000. That brings particular challenges in trying to reach everyone and get a positive message out."

The result of the vote is expected to be announced on Friday.

Lord and Lady Attenborough have not commented publicly on the buyout proposal.

(GK/BMcC)