SNH shooting its own foot

You report (21 February) that Scottish Natural Heritage is to withhold grant funding for the National Trust for Scotland's Mar Lodge Estate because of fears it will be used to promote grouse shooting and deer stalking.

Scotland faces intense competition from other European countries in attracting country sports tourists, so investing in these great economic assets is nationally beneficial. It is disingenuous for SNH to wish to "support conservation" but not "shooting" when the two go hand in hand. Well-managed sporting estates generate increased bio-diversity and sustainability.

SNH has called for a drop in red deer numbers. Surely then, estate managers who encourage experienced visiting rifles to pay to shoot deer should be supported.

TONY ANDREWS

Scottish Countryside Alliance

Ingliston

Midlothian