Letter: Save Skye from helicopters

Sir: Mountains provoke strong emotions in many people. The proposed development of tourist helicopter flights in the Cuillin of Skye ("Skye distress at threat from the skies", 12 December) has raised passions in the mountaineering community that I have rarely seen.

Although small in height, these mountains create the sense of being in a truly wild place that is both dramatic and very beautiful.

Many thousands of people who love the Cuillin will be outraged at the possibility of helicopters being allowed to destroy such a rare and precious environment for the sake of profit. This is the ultimate in "quick fix" tourism, and this case will set a precedent which will determine whether our most precious landscapes really are safe from exploitation.

We can only hope that passion will be enough to save these mountains.

JEREMY BARLOW

Access & Conservation Officer

British Mountaineering Council

Manchester