Land use

Tim Bayne’s claim that the Scottish Wild Land Group “believes there should be little or no evidence of modern man in the landscapes of remote parts of Scotland” is wrong, as even the most cursory of glances at our publications would make clear (Letters, 6 June). In fact, we would welcome a more active, diverse and equitable system of land use in Scotland.

In the case of hill tracks, there can be few people who don’t agree that landowners should have to observe some basic standards of construction and consultation. The Scottish Environment LINK report Track Changes included a great deal of factual evidence to show the damage caused by unregulated track construction.

The LINK report did not claim that all tracks are badly constructed, and it acknowledged that tracks can play a legitimate role in land management. However, it is perfectly reasonable to expect landowners to meet minimum standards when 
constructing tracks, and to give people affected by development the right to object. No other sector views such safeguards as over-regulation.

John Milne

Scottish Wild Land Group

Ardgowan Drive, Uddingston