Ross Minett attacks gamekeepers on suppositions, not facts (Letters, July 6). The Scottish Gamekeepers Association, too, condemns the use of poison, but let's get this matter into perspective. Hundreds of predatory birds are being released into Scotland's skies with no environmental or impact assessments being carried out before the schemes are allowed - that few of these birds manage to survive should really come as no surprise.

Mr Minett alleges that "estimates of 40% of young red kites in the Highlands having been poisoned are shocking", but "estimates" is the key word here. There is no proof that these birds have been killed at the hands of gamekeepers. With ever increasing numbers of raptor populations vying for food, they could have flown outwith transmitter range, a large proportion will have died in the nest and more will have died from starvation during their first winter.

His statement that "it is no coincidence that studies repeatedly find lower populations of birds of prey on or around shooting estates" shows exactly how ignorant he is of the countryside. Without sporting estates managing the abundance of wildlife, there would be far, far fewer predatory birds as there would be no food source. The disaster at Langholm showed clearly what happened to hen harriers when they were allowed to multiply without foxes, stoats and other predators being controlled - their numbers crashed as they became the victims of predation.

RSPB and Game Conservancy Trust research shows conclusively that moorland managed for shooting is good for biodiversity and produces five times more waders than unmanaged land. Where are Mr Minett's studies that repeatedly find fewer birds of prey in the vicinity of sporting estates?

Alex Hogg, Chairman, Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Hillhead Cottage, Eddleston, Peebles.