Aiding rural economy

To give Scotland’s rural economy a chance to develop, an inclusive approach to all land-based communities and interests is critical. Recognising this, the Borders Foundation for Rural Sustainability, of which I am chairman, commissioned an audit into what other contribution, apart from farming and forestry, the land and its communities make to the rural economy, as a sound basis for further development.

More than two years of research revealed the scale of this "other" contribution to our region: 41 million a year and 1,555 full-time equivalent jobs, of which 30 million is generated by country sports, supporting 895 full-time equi-valent jobs. The research concluded that this "hidden" but significant economy is serviced in the Borders by 1,250 farmers and landowners, 900 to 1,000 local businesses, and more than 30,000 country-sports participants.

The Saffrey Champness re-search on country sports (your report, 10 December) is part of a growing body of research that draws the same conclusions. Politicians must heed this evidence, understanding the fundamentally inclusive nature of sustainable development. All development needs drivers and motivators; it can’t just happen.

JIM HUME

Foulden

Berwickshire