Madam, - As a visitor to Ireland (Dublin-born, resident in Scotland) I should like to add to the arguments presented by David Herman in favour of access for walkers (July 22nd).
First, "recreational users of the countryside" is a term covering a much wider range of activities than many people realise.
The legislation at the moment under consideration in Scotland covers, not only hill-walkers, but also, to mention only a few, bird-watchers, canoeists, cave-explorers, cross-country skiers, naturalists, orienteers, photographers and rock-climbers.
Secondly, there are many who would never dream of taking part in any of these pursuits.
They might, however, be surprised to learn that in Scotland, as regards the wilder regions of the country at least, tourism, largely made up of activities similar to those listed above, was found to bring more money into the country than the totality of its agricultural production. - Yours etc.,
BRIAN FARRINGTON, Ardnageeha, Rosbeg, Co Donegal.