Study reveals abuse towards gamekeepers
A national shooting and conservation association based in Highland Perthshire has condemned the “widespread abuse” being suffered by gamekeepers and their families.
The Dunkeld-based British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has also backed a Scottish minister who slammed “the unfair harassment” of gamekeepers and their families in Scotland.
A study by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), commissioned by the Scottish Government, showed almost two-thirds have experienced abusive behaviour.
In his letter to the BASC, minister for rural affairs and the natural environment Ben Macpherson MSP said he was “appalled to hear of the experiences” reported by Scotland’s gamekeepers in the research.
Macpherson added he “would work to ensure that no credence is given to any vexatious or malicious claims of malpractice”.
His words come amid concerns that the establishment of a licensing scheme for grouse moor management could be exploited by accusations from anti-shooting campaigners intent on seeing grouse shooting banned.
A motion was tabled in the Scottish Parliament by Oliver Mundell MSP which acknowledged the findings of the SRUC research and called on the government to do more to support Scotland’s gamekeeping community.
Commenting on the minister’s letter, BASC’s political and press officer in Scotland Ross Ewing said: “We welcome this condemnation by Mr Macpherson so early into his tenure as rural affairs minister.
“The widespread abuse facing Scotland’s gamekeepers is a national disgrace, and it is reassuring to hear the Scottish Government shares our sentiment.
“Mr Macpherson’s commitment to safeguard gamekeepers from vexatious allegations is particularly welcome, and we look forward to briefing him on the extensive contribution gamekeepers make towards biodiversity and climate change objectives in the coming weeks.”
Inveralmond-based Scottish Gamekeepers Association chairman Alex Hogg MBE feels gamekeepers are currently being “undervalued”.
“We welcome the minister’s words and are pleased he has grasped the realities of a gamekeeper’s life today,” he said.
“That said, words alone will not rectify this. “Gamekeepers feel unsupported and undervalued by the Scottish Government and its agencies and the problems highlighted in that report now need to translate to action.”