Addressing SNH priorities

The Executive's rejection of the reintroduction of the beaver to Scotland (your report, 2 September) raises important questions abut the priorities of Scottish Natural Heritage.

At a time when some of Scotland's indigenous species such as the red squirrel, the Scotch Argus butterfly, the Scottish primrose and the sea trout are under threat of extinction, perhaps SNH should now set aside plans for reintroducing extinct species such as the beaver, and concentrate on conserving our existing threatened species.

Furthermore, should not SNH be designing models to exclude invasive species such as mink and grey squirrels which are causing unmeasured damage to our indigenous wildlife? At the same time, SNH could usefully develop a national strategy for the eradication of Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan balsam and other invasive species of flora.

In short, isn't it time for SNH to sit down and take a long hard look at its priorities. It might start the process by answering the question: "What is Scottish Natural Heritage for?"

TONY ANDREWS, Chief executive, Scottish Countryside Alliance, Ingliston, Midlothian