I refer to your article (6 September 2015) ‘Deer fence would hinder ramblers’.
As in many other areas of the Highlands, deer managers in the southern Cairngorms are adapting to change and collaborative deer management is about negotiation between neighbours as to how best to meet the objectives of all concerned. The best mechanism is the deer management planning process which is moving to a new level across the 45 upland Deer Management Groups.
Given that finding a solution equates to progress, it is disappointing to see what is in fact a constructive discussion portrayed, as so often is the case, as a polarised conflict between two landholdings, and between deer or trees. Both are highly valued components of the Scottish countryside and it is possible for them to co-exist, but adaptive management is required. Fencing, as now used successfully at Mar Lodge after many years of trial and error, may or may not have a role to play.
The landowners concerned in this matter are experienced and responsible and should be allowed to come up with workable solutions that meet their individual aspirations. In addition they should be trusted to deliver the public interest in terms of the environment and public access without other organisations that are indirectly involved clouding the issues from the sidelines.
The link to the article published in the Sunday Times on 6 September here http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/article1603413.ece