A small island with historic and cultural significance will remain in the hands of the public, according to the Scottish government.

Eilean Bann, a six-acre island below the Skye Bridge, was inhabited by Ring of Bright Water author Gavin Maxwell for more than a year before his death in 1969.

The island features the Gavin Maxwell Museum, which is run by the Eilean Ban Trust.

Ownership of the island is being transferred from the Scottish Government's transport agency to Forestry Commission Scotland; another government body.

Reportedly, this transfer will ensure access to the famous site can continue for both locals and visitors.

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Transport minister Keith Brown said: "Recognising the rich cultural significance of Eilean Ban, as well as the environmental importance of Eilean Ban to Scotland's wildlife population, we have been working hard to ensure that the ownership of the land on which the bridge sits remains in public hands.

"I'm delighted that locals living both on Skye and around Loch Alsh, as well as the many visitors who visit Eilean Ban, will continue to have access to one of the cultural gems of Scotland and enjoy the kind of landscape which provided Maxwell with the inspiration to create one of the world's most famous wildlife stories."

Graeme Prest, Forestry Commission Scotland district manager for the Inverness, Ross and Skye District, said: "This is a great addition to our land holding on Skye, where we actively promote wildlife tourism.

"It's also a great opportunity for us to work with the Eilean Ban Trust to ensure that this culturally important site is well looked after for decades to come - and for us to weave Maxwell's story into our own."

The small island is also the site of the Loch Alsh lighthouse, which was designed in part by Thomas Stevenson, father of the Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson.

(IT)