‘The people of Strathearn should be proud of this opportunity’ Perthshire landowners hit back at T in the Park claims

A conservationist couple who own part of Perthshire’s Strathallan Estate have hit back at criticism by wildlife groups who claim staging T in the Park on their land would pose a risk to wildlife.

Jamie and Debs Roberts said arguments made by the Woodland Trust and RSPB Scotland this week were “outlandish and incorrect.”

They said the trust’s description of the woods as “ancient” was inaccurate and that highlighting a row over plans to move an osprey nest was irresponsible, as it “increased public knowledge of the nest’s location and could heighten the risk of damage to the birds”.

In a statement, the couple said: “People portray a sense of ownership over Strathallan but the weight of responsibility lies with us and we do not shirk from this.

“Managing an estate such as Strathallan requires a global view and in this modern day it cannot be supported by traditional means alone.

“The people of Strathearn should be proud of this opportunity and embrace it.”