Bad hare day

The Scottish parliament has voted to ban the unlicensed culling of mountain hares. The move has caused consternation among landowners and managers. Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Mountain hares are thriving on Scotland’s moors and their fate will not be improved by this vote. There is clear evidence that the control of hares helps to combat tick and Lyme disease and protect plants and young trees. Balanced wildlife management is key to meeting Scottish Government targets on biodiversity.”

• See Quarry, pages 26 and 27.