Wildlife conservation

In reply to Logan Steele (Letters, 4 April), I support his view that any illegal activity, in this instance wildlife crime, damages the credibility of wildlife managers. However, he paints a misleading picture that such crimes are endemic. The SCA and its partner organisations unequivocally condemn all such illegal activity. .

Scientific evidence that good wildlife management is responsible for sustaining many rare and cherished upland birds is overwhelming. This is why gamekeepers and land managers should be a respected and integral part of the decision-making process. It is these modern-thinking rural people who demonstrate best practice in achieving species diversity, while also contributing to the economic viability of rural Scotland.

TONY ANDREWS, Chief executive, Scottish Countryside Alliance, Ingliston, Edinburgh