To help mountaineers decide whom to vote for the MCofS decided to organise a Mountain Issues Election Hustings in which we put the same question to each of the parties, and asked them to answer in no more than 300 words. We have been totally fair and equitable in our treatment of each party. They were all sent the same letter on the same day and given the same deadline. Furthermore, we are making no comment on their responses, just printing them as received for you to read and draw your own conclusions. The question was:

"What would your party do to promote the increased protection of Scottish mountains during the next term of the Scottish Parliament, and what importance do you place on people's enjoyment and appreciation of our finest mountain areas?"

And their answers:

Scottish Green Party	Scottish National Party	Scottish Conservatives
Scottish Socialist Party	Scottish Liberal Democrats	Scottish Labour Party

Scottish Liberal Democrats The Scottish Liberal Democrats are dedicated to the preservation of Scotland's natural heritage. We appreciate that Scotland has some of the most beautiful mountain areas in the world that must be protected for future generations to enjoy. Scottish Liberal Democrat constituencies cover some of the most beautiful mountain regions in Scotland including Skye, Torridon, Lochnagar and Glen Etive. We demonstrated the importance in promoting enjoyment of our mountain areas with the Land Reform Bill, flagship legislation of the Scottish Parliament's first 4 years carried through by a Liberal Democrat Minister. The Act affirmed everyone's right to responsible access to Scotland's countryside and mountains, access that is worth around £400m annually to the Scottish economy. Through the Access Code, we aim to encourage people to enjoy our mountains and the considerable health and well-being benefits to be gained. This long-overdue reform will contribute towards a revival in rural Scotland and allow other remote communities to follow Knoydart's example of community ownership. The first 4 years also saw the creation of Scotland's first National Parks. However, designation is, of course, just a start in ensuring the sensitive management of the mountains around Loch Lomond and the Cairngorms We are greatly concerned about intrusions into wild mountains. John Farquhar Munro MSP has submitted questions to the First Minister regarding the bulldozing of mountain tracks. Mike Rumbles MSP laid motions before the Parliament marking the International Year of the Mountains, noting the high ecological value. Renewable energy including wind farms represents a fantastic resource for Scotland. However, developments must be sited sensitively to avoid impacting another of Scotland's great resources-natural beauty-and we would like to encourage all forms of renewable energy, not just wind turbines. 90% of visitors associate "beautiful scenery" with Scotland prior to their visit - the wild mountains are an essential part of Scotland's view of itself and of how others see us. In the next Scottish Parliament we hope that the people of Scotland will give us the opportunity to continue to promote and protect Scotland's unique mountain areas.