Sir, – I refer to your article ‘Concern over FES’ ‘shoot to kill’ policy’ in your February 24, issue which highlighted issues surrounding strayed sheep onto the National Forest Estate. The article did not give Forest Enterprise Scotland an opportunity to clarify an accurate position.

Initial contact was made with a local farmer in January, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement on how best to repatriate the sheep. A local member of FES staff, with extensive agricultural experience, had gathered evidence that these sheep were suffering with sheep scab or serious louse infestation and was concerned about the welfare of the animals.

It should be noted that good progress was being made, and we had reached a stage where the majority of our neighbouring farmers were preparing for a combined gather.

The issue of culling these sheep had not been raised at all in any discussions. FES suggested the employment of a contract shepherd as one possible solution to the immediate problem, as not all the neighbours were available to help in a combined gather.

FES does not believe that march fencing is the crux of the issue in this case. We have real concerns that the sheep have a notifiable disease and quick action is needed so that the animals can be repatriated and treated appropriately.

Our policy is clear that where march fencing is not in place, not adequately maintained or not feasible, there is a need for negotiation to find a reasonable solution. FES would expect owners of straying sheep to take reasonable steps to return them to their own ground, and it is only when owners are not cooperative, that problems can arise.

For the vast majority of cases, we work very well with our neighbours and can resolve sheep trespass issues quickly. This is how we would like to continue – keeping an open dialogue throughout and working together to get the animals back to their owners.

Stewart Hendry

FES agricultural adviser.