TWO bids have been received to take over Duchess Wood, owners have confirmed.

Luss Estates Ltd said two "community orientated" bids were received as of closing on the popular woodland at 12noon today, November 13.

The 50-acres site had been listed for offers over £70,000, with supporters saying it was beyond their reach to buy the land or manage the steep maintenance costs.

Patrick Colquhoun from Luss Estates confirmed to the Advertiser that there were only two bids and they would now work to determine the sale going forward.

He said: "We will give more detail in due course. Both want to retain community access. Duchess Wood is not a development opportunity."

Friends of Duchess Wood recently gave a presentation to Helensburgh Community Council and then to this week's Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group about the background and challenges for any buyer.

READ MORE: Duchess Wood sale by Luss Estates goes to closing date

They said they did not have the resources or organisational structures in place to buy the land, nor the considerable costs to maintain it. The landowner in particular has to ensure safety, protect against invasive species, tree management, emptying bins and more.

Luss Estates put Duchess Wood on the market just after Ardenconnel Wood in Rhu, which was subject to a separate community interest.

The rugby pitches, which are used by Lomond School, were not part of the sale.

Friends of Duchess Wood said: "The FODW is pleased to hear the two bids received by Luss Estates for that part of the Wood being sold are not from developers but rather organisations which have a community focus.

"Whoever the eventual owner is we hope we can build a good relationship with them enabling us to  continue the work we do and  the Wood continues to be a great place for the community and visitors to enjoy.

"We also also look forward to continuing to work with Luss Estates during the transition and on the area of land they will retain."