A 700-hectare conifer forest being planted around a countryside walkway named after one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers could be challenged in court as fundraising for a judicial review is underway.

The plantation, which will predominantly be non-native Sitka spruce, is already being put in the ground at Stobo Hope, near Peebles. The chosen site runs either side of the John Buchan Way, a 13-mile walk named after the author of the 39 Steps.

Despite NatureScot concluding the plantation would have “significant and adverse effects” on what is a National Scenic Area, Scottish Forestry gave the development the green light.

The Scottish Government agency, responsible for managing national forests, awarded the contract to the Forestry Carbon Sequestration Fund, managed by the Guernsey-based investment company True North.