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The Deer Forests
And How They are Bleeding Scotland White
J. M. Macdiarmid
Scottish Home Rule Association, 2nd Edition 1926
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In this Scottish Home Rule Association pamphlet published in the mid-1920s, J M Macdiarmid vigorously addresses the problems arising from the dramatic growth in deer forests (private hunting preserves) as 'pleasure grounds of the wealthy of this and foreign nations' during the period 1784 to 1924.
He traces the destructive impact that this type of large scale private land holding (latifundia) has had on the Highlands of Scotland. In particular he elaborates on its effects on: the human population namely the peasant producers of the region; its impact on food production, cultivation and pastoral systems of agriculture; its deteriorating effects on soils and the environment; and its restrictions and loss of public access to the countryside for both tourists and the Scottish people. The author compares the situation in Scotland with that of Switzerland where: constitutional democracy prospers; property is more equally divided; food production, cultivation and pastoral systems are encouraged; and public access and tourism are promoted.
He concludes by stating: "When Scotland regains its own Parliament it will be possible to settle the land question on lines which will encourage workers to go back to the land, giving full security to the cultivator, will increase production and enrich the nation."