Letter: The golden egg

Everyone involved in shooting in Scotland is doing their utmost to root out the criminals responsible for raptor persecution.

Illegal poisoning of Scotland's wildlife is a despicable crime which the Scottish Countryside Alliance and all true country people utterly condemn.

However, illegal poisoning, the action of a very small criminal minority, should not be allowed, as Nick Drainey writes (2 August). Allowing criminals to dominate the headlines damages the reputation of Scotland as a destination for shooting, wildlife watching and sight-seeing and potentially damages the Scottish economy. Independent research shows that shooting sports are worth at least 240 million a year to Scotland. Management of land for shooting is of direct benefit to many species of wildlife and plant-life - including Scotland's magnificent purple heather, which is an attraction for countless visitors.

In many rural communities shooting provides a major source of employment and helps to keep people and public services such as schools in remote areas. An example of this is Tomintoul, where a 2009 study by University of the Highlands and Highlands Perth College found 81 per cent of residents stated that grouse shooting was of direct benefit to their community. Game shooting is a true Scottish success story and should be celebrated for the majority, not "shaded" by the criminal minority.

Ross Montague

Scottish Countryside Alliance

Fenton Barns

North Berwick