Isabella Thomson, 10 Uppat Place, Brora, says the falconers are using birds of prey and ferrets on an almost daily basis to catch rabbits over popular recreational areas in the village.

She claimed that their presence meant that the Back Shore in Lower Brora and "Gleneagles" golf course were now almost off limits to walkers.

She said: "I am in agreement with a rabbit cull, but what I am not in agreement with is the method. It is barbaric. You can hear the rabbits screaming. It is totally unacceptable."

Miss Thomson appealed for help from Brora Community Council at their meeting on Tuesday night.

The groups of visitors, said to be mostly European, are understood to be organised by Hugh Haggarty, 60 Dalchalm, who runs an operation called Highland Holidays offering self-catering log cabins and houses overlooking the sea and golf course in Brora. His website advertises falconry courses and hawking holidays, including hunting for rabbits and other game.

He reacted angrily when contacted by the Northern Times earlier this week. He claimed the issue had come before the community council previously when it had been resolved. He said he was doing nothing unlawful.

Miss Thomson told the community council that she had been in the habit of walking on the Back Shore area, but had been driven away because of the falconers.

She understood they had the permission to be there from farmer Malcolm McCall who is a tenant of Sutherland Estates.

Miss Thomson said: "I changed my walk after I saw a live rabbit on the end of a tether being swung around with the birds of prey being encouraged to swoop on it. I heard the animal screaming. When I challenged the person involved, I was told that was a method they used to train the birds."

She then switched her route to the Gleneagles area – land owned by Sutherland Estates alongside the beach to the rear of the former radio station – but she says the falconers began to turn up there also. Parties of up to six have been arriving at the site in a van almost daily since the end of October.

"On one occasion I was confronted by eight men who waved sticks and told me to get my dog on lead. We can't go on to the golf course and are being forced to go on to the shore. It is harrowing," she said.

"Everyone I have spoken to has the same attitude as me to this. These things happen, we know they happen on sporting estates but this is on our doorstep. It isn't a cull, it's a bloodsport.

"These areas aren't just used by dog walkers. They are also an attraction for children and visitors."

Community council acting chairwoman Kathleen Cunningham said she was not sure what the community council could do about the issue other than contact Sutherland Estates. It was agreed to get in touch with estates factor Chris Whealing.

When contacted by the Northern Times on Wednesday, Sutherland Estates office said Mr Whealing was not available for comment.

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