SMALL business in Clackmannanshire are being warned of a possible phone scam operating in the area.

One woman was cold-called earlier today (Thursday) from someone claiming to be a fundraiser for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

The caller said her name was Fiona and was helping to produce a diary for the regiment.

She said, as part of her fundraising efforts, that she was calling a number of small business in Clackmannanshire looking for them to each donate £50.

However, after hearing about the nature of the call, a spokesperson for the regiment said he felt the call was fraudulent and cautioned all business owners about a possible scam.

Suspicions first arose when the 'Fiona' was pressed for details by the business owner's husband -- himself a former serviceman.

Major Nigel Scott, who served with the battalion for 13 years, said: "I spoke with her it became quite clear to me this could be a scam.

"I asked if she was calling from Stirling Castle and she said she was in the Midlands and that she represented various regiments.

"It just didn't sound right, especially as the regiment no longer exists as it used to."

It is unknown whether or not local residents are also being contacted in a similar way.

The Advertiser contacted the Argylls Regimental Museum at Stirling Castle to inquire about their fundraising activities.

Robert Layden, CEO of the museum, said they have no official fundraising unit and asked anyone who is contacted in this manner not to hand over money.

He added: "We are not in a position to approach businesses in this way and to me this sounds like fraud.

"This is totally unrelated to the museum and if any business owner out there has concerns about this then they can feel free to contact the museum and speak to myself about it."

The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders was effectively disbanded in 2012 when it was reduced to a single company of around 120 men.

It maintains a 'home headquarters' in Stirling Castle but their duties are ceremonial in nature.

Anyone wishing to get in touch with the museum can call 01786 475165.