I recall travelling from Glasgow by train with two German students through beautiful Highland Perthshire, but only when we climbed out of Calvine into Drumochter did they become enchanted by the scenery. Where else in Europe can you enjoy purple-clad hills on such a grand scale? It is managed grazing by sheep and cattle alongside muirburn that maintains this attractive environment.
Les Wallace doubts the value of Highland estates, although he acknowledges their worth to declining moorland birds such as the golden plover, curlew and skylark (Study needed on grouse shooting, Letters, May 11). Because these estates are managed with an abundance of food in the form of grouse, they attract an abundance of raptors.
What other form of employment does Les Wallace imagine would be possible in places such as Drumochter, other than gamekeepers and shepherds? Scrub birch and oxter-high bracken that he would promote is of no use to bird, beast or man. One estate has the proud boast that it employs more people than the world-famous Dalwhinnie Distillery. RSPB, SNH and other so-called "conservation bodies" are the alternative. But they often depend on semi-retired volunteers and students for labour. I say "so-called" because, in my view, farmers and gamekeepers are the best conservationists of our hills and uplands.
A further matter that those who wish the demise of shooting estates should consider is their control of ticks. By using "pour-on" insecticides on sheep and cattle that are then used as "tick mops", the hills are kept virtually free of this deadly insect and so walkers, campers and wildlife all benefit.
Campbell Slimon
Laggan
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