SIR, – Re the letter ‘What next for crofters’, in last week’s issue, by Angus A MacDonald, I read it with both amusement and disappointment. The irony of Mr Macdonald’s opening sentence will not be lost on many estate residents. 
I am surprised that a representative of the crofting community on Benbecula does not know the law. Despite being the landowner, the estate cannot ban crofters from common grazing. I would have thought Mr Macdonald knew this and understood crofting law.
No decisions have been taken about a deer fence. It is one option of many to help control deer on the estate, which is historically a shooting as well as crofting estate. Nothing will be decided without discussions with the crofters themselves. 
As with all developments around deer, there will be those for and against a fence, but full access will be guaranteed should a fence go ahead. No funding has yet been sought or received. No route has been agreed.
The size of the herd is well established on the estate and currently sits at around 800, give or take 5%. I do not recognise the figure of 1500 that Ms Ferguson of SNH is allegedly quoting. I am also unaware of any legal challenge around the ‘introduction’ of grazing animals onto croft common grazings.
I do, however, welcome the information that 100% of the SNP Government is behind Storas Uibhist, as this is a huge vote of confidence for the estate and community ownership. 
As to the suggestion of a nuclear dump on the estate, I truly hadn’t considered that as a development option for the islands. I am happy to listen to the community on all matters relating to economic development, but I’m not sure that suggestion is in keeping with our beautiful environment.
 
Fraser Quin
CEO Stòras Uibhist, 
Oifis Stòras, 
Daliburgh, 
South Uist.