Scotland’s uplands need new innovation

Sir, - Mr Watts (August 31) does not contradict, but reinforces my point that sea eagles rarely take live lambs when he quotes SNH which states “given their presence occasionally conflicts with livestock rearing”.

In its latest publication on this topic, SNH confirms “eagles do take a small number of live lambs, but the majority of lambs taken were scavenged as carrion”.

Furthermore it adds that funding is available to both help improve lamb and sheep flock health and to undertake preventative measures.

Sporting estates do legally qualify for agricultural grants if they keep a small number of animals on what is primarily a grouse moor.

However, some see this simply as an abuse of the system which was designed to help small farmers in financially challenging conditions.

It was not designed to increase the profits of those providing wealthy patrons grouse to shoot.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill can force a landowner to sell if “the owner is blocking economic or social development.”

I would assume that this clause was inserted for a reason, the reason being that historically, by way of the power that large landowners wield in these communities, many have indeed blocked such developments, hence the need for legal measures.

How many jobs might new housing create and what new opportunities might arise if the incoming inhabitants were allowed to plant their roots in land previously reserved for the privileged and the relatively small number of full-time workers who serve their needs?

The uplands of Scotland are crying out for the type of innovations these people would bring with them. George Murdoch. 4 Auchcairnie Cottages, Laurencekirk.

White-tailed, or sea eagles, pictured on the coast of Fife.