The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Grouse moors need managed

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Sir, - Jim Crumley got on his high horse again about the hunting and shooting fraternity but started his column with a number of inaccurate comments about Land Rover/Range Rover in general, and the Evoque in particular.

The Evoque was a model designed to fill a gap in the range of vehicles – it is based on a Freelander, the low-end 4x4, which is and looks like a working vehicle.

The Evoque has all the Freelander engineerin­g but now has a more stylish appearance plus upmarket accessorie­s which appeal to the younger, female buyer.

It is often referred to as the hairdresse­r’s car and has been a great success but I have never seen one on a grouse moor.

Interestin­gly, I see Mr Crumley drives a Suzuki Jimney.

His vehicle is fine but I do not think it will go too far unlike the Land Rover Defenders, Safaris and Discoverie­s, which go off road on a daily basis.

Jim advocated banning all grouse shooting by giving grouse legal protection.

If we follow his doctrine, it is very simple to predict the next 50 to 100 years.

We stop all grouse shooting and the estate owner has no need for gamekeeper­s, mechanics, cooks or labourers so they all have to leave to find other employment. There is no control of vermin so the hill farmers’ lambs are killed. He has no income so gives up his tenancy, less income for the estate, which already has no grouse income.

The grouse left will either die due to tic infestatio­n or be killed by stoats and other vermin, or some by raptors.

Jim advocates introducin­g wolves, lynx and beaver. He just needs to add bears to stop anybody going into the countrysid­e unless the have a big rifle which you will not be able to buy as all the gun shops will have gone out of business. George Sangster. Woodlands, Logie, Montrose.

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