The chairman of the New Lanark Trust, Arthur Bell, has highlighted the problems facing Scotland's heritage in his cogent article (Future of nation's heritage is hanging by a thread, October 21). The drop in visitor numbers he mentions, and the concomitant drop in income, affects all of us in the sector.

The Historic Houses Association for Scotland represents 250 castles, houses and gardens the length and breadth of the country. All are either privately owned or owned independently, for example by charitable trusts. Some of our members are also reporting quite significant reductions in visitor numbers; here at Blair pictured, we are down on last year.

While the current economic climate clearly affects everyone, Mr Bell quite rightly states that if Scotland really does value its heritage then it does require some additional support in these difficult times. Our members maintain a major part of Scotland's built heritage with minimal support from the state, yet many of our members' properties are rightly regarded as national treasures.

We are pleased to note that the Scottish Government has taken up our plea that repairs to listed buildings should no longer attract VAT and is lobbying Westminster accordingly, this tax being outwith the powers of our own parliament. We have also argued for a historic properties maintenance grant to allow selected properties that are open for public access to maintain the integrity and appeal of these popular visitor attractions, and are pleased that the government is prepared to consider the suggestion seriously.

In the bigger picture, these are not major aspirations, but it is this sort of assistance which will allow all of us - public, charitable, and private owners - to continue to maintain Scotland's unique built heritage for future generations.
Sarah Troughton, Chair, Historic Houses Association for Scotland, Pitlochry.