"In that article unsubstantiated allegations by Ms Thomson were aired. Readers should be aware that this article has attracted a high level of response on the Northern Times website. With one exception those responses have been in support of our activities and business and the art of falconry generally. I will endeavour not to repeat the points already made on the website but would urge readers to take a few minutes to read them.

"Both Hugh and I are, and always have been, active advocates of freedom of speech and freedom of the press and we will always guard those freedoms jealously. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but it is important that facts are correctly presented and that opinion does not appear as fact. Last week's article contained a number of statements that were factually inaccurate which I deal with and correct in the following paragraphs.

1. It is completely legal to use hawks to cull rabbits.

2. Since October 2007 we have hosted only four falconry parties and have used the land Ms Thomson refers to on a maximum of seven days. Her claim therefore of falconers being there 'on an almost daily basis' is quite simply wrong.

3. We never use the land at weekends as we know this is rightly prime recreational time for children on their bikes, quads and other activities.

4. We always advise our guests that all third parties, including Ms Thomson, should be treated with normal courtesy and that they should avoid any discussion of issues which such individuals may consider controversial. We know they have complied with this request.

5. Our business is not 'an operation' it is a legitimate small holiday cottage business which just manages to break even annually.

6. We use the land at the back shore and 'Gleneagles' with the full permission of the tenants who are keen to control the rabbit population.

7. The land referred to is not community land.

8. Ms Thomson raised this matter a number of years ago with the community council who confirmed that our activities were legal.

9. The falconry groups we host are all members of professional clubs who act with the highest degree of skill and ethics in the pursuit of their interests. None would consider doing what Ms Thomson described in relation to the 'live rabbit'. Frankly we find the suggestion that our guests acted in this way deeply offensive and of course untrue.

10. The maximum party size we have ever hosted is six, so the claim of being confronted by eight men is once again simply wrong.

11. Our experience is that generally local people, visitors and especially children are really interested in learning about the birds and the art of falconry.

12. Even though our business is small we are still bringing people into this area, actively and positively contributing to the local economy, including shops, restaurants, bars, garages, golf course, local attractions etc.

"The advent of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code was greatly welcomed across the country and, as a consequence, Ms Thomson has the right to walk on the two areas of land she describes. But as the code clearly states, with rights come responsibilities which include:

1. Take responsibilities for your own actions.

2. Respect the interests of other people.

3. Care for the environment.

"The interests of other people include the interests of our guests and the legitimate and legal activities of our business.

"Since time immemorial individuals have held personal opinions on everything from what the right colour is to paint the buffalo on the cave wall to who is best qualified to run the country. Opinions are judgments or beliefs not founded on certainty or proof. It is important therefore that individuals who hold those opinions take great care not to represent them as facts. We are fortunate to still live in a society where truth is valued and where allegations must be supported by the presentation of objective evidence.

"The county of Sutherland is quite simply stunning and in some respects is still a well kept secret. We value the quality of life here, the freedoms and the community which surrounds us. We do our best, however small that is, to support the local economy which we believe is vital to ensure that other small businesses continue to survive here too. Many of your readers will know just how difficult that can be. We believe the key is to actively support each other, encourage new ideas and healthy diversification. Above all, and this is especially true for a small community, we must be tolerant of different opinions."

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