Our need for raw materials, such as sand, gravel and crushed rock, must be balanced against the effect that mineral working has on the countryside. The landscape is one of Scotland's most precious economic assests as it is the basis for our biggest dollar-earner ‐ tourism. Is it appropriate to create superquarries in the midst of some of our finest scenic areas or should the economic regeneration that such developments stimulate take precedence? Alan McKirdy argues the case for sustainable development and conservation of the countryside.