Letter: Mining misses out

The reasons appear to be based mainly on the effects on tourism and the scenic views enjoyed by walkers and mountaineers and ignore the creation of around 50 skilled year-round jobs, as well as the benefit to the Scottish economy of locally produced gold likely to command a significant premium and which could support a significant locally-based jewellery industry.

The currently estimated mine life of six years on established resources may be extended if additional mineralisation is found. Refusal of permission will also send a strong signal to the international business community that Scotland is not open for business.

I doubt if any tourists (who will only see the mine if they really look for it), walkers and mountaineers will actually be put off if the mine development goes ahead. To them it will merely be a small, interesting addition to the landscape.

It is curious that "heritage mining" ie closed mines, is worthy of tourism support, but opening a new small venture is apparently abhorrent.

The deserted glens of much of Scotland, so trumpeted by the environmentalists and outdoors enthusiasts, were once full of people living their lives and doing whatever they could to earn their living from the neighbourhood, before the Clearances produced the empty landscape apparently preferred by the planning and other communities.

TIM COLMAN

Rose Hill

Keyworth, Nottinghamshire