THE right to roam applies to most land and water in Scotland and that includes nature reserves, whether they are in public or private ownership.
In using such areas, full account has to taken of the wildlife and other environmental qualities which make these places special. So we agree with Neil Kilpatrick when he says, in relation to the completion of the Loch Leven Heritage Trail through the RSPB reserve near Kinross, that common sense limitations are needed (Letters, May 3). That is why the route proposed by Ramblers Scotland is fully compliant with the environmental statement which forms part of the planning application now before Perth and Kinross Council. The essential limitations identified in this statement are that the route should not go along or too close to the loch shore and users of the trail should not stray from the trail down to the shore in sensitive areas. We agree with these restrictions along with the need for strict control of dogs. Our route is consistent with existing SNH signage and information restricting access to the shoreline.
We take strong exception to the remarks of the RSPB, supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, that suggest "a large part of the bird population may desert Loch Leven" if the Ramblers route is developed ("RSPB 'behaving like Donald Trump' in battle over loch path", The Herald, May 1). There is no scientific evidence to support these remarks. Both the RSPB and SNH need to re-examine their approach to the completion of the trail. Some re-connection to reality is needed if these organisations are to retain public support for the work they do and their credibility as advisers to Government on wildlife matters.
Dave Morris,
Director, Ramblers Scotland, Kingfisher House, Auld Mart Business Park, Milnathort.
WE dispute the claims made by Neil Kilpatrick that The Rural Access Committee of Kinross-shire (Tracks) had positive discussions with the RSPB about the completion of the Loch Leven Heritage Trail. In meetings with ourselves on April 6 and 24 Mr Kilpatrick stated the opposite, saying that the RSPB had been hostile to the route which both Tracks and the Ramblers were proposing.
Mr Kilpatrick gave the impression that they were pressured by the RSPB to put in a planning application for an alternative route alongside the busy B9097 past our cottages.The chairman of Tracks, local councillor Willie Robertson, agreed this was the case following a discussion with us. We look forward to the meeting which Councillor Robertson is going to call in order to resolve this controversy.
John and Gail Haynes, West Newhall Cottage; Alan Bell and Judy Hepburn, East Newhall Cottage, Kinross.
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