RSPB Scotland slams campaign’s ‘ludicrous’ grouse study

A leading wildlife charity has dismissed claims that birds of prey are thriving on Scottish moorlands as “ludicrous”.

The Gift of Grouse, a campaign group aimed at showcasing the benefits of Scotland’s grouse moors, issued the findings of a survey, which appeared to show an “encouraging” rise in sightings of raptors – including golden eagles, red kites and hen harriers – on sites in Angus and Perthshire.

The findings reported healthy numbers at several estates across the region including Glenturret Estate in Perthshire and across the Angus Glens. Gift of Grouse credited conservation methods by gamekeepers for the increase.

But the findings have been attacked by a senior figure at RSPB Scotland.

Ian Thomson, head of investigations, said that the statement was “pure, unadulterated propaganda from an industry that, quite rightly, is under increasing public scrutiny by the Scottish Parliament.”

He said: “Their claims have no supporting evidence, their methodology is not explained and to suggest that incidental observations of raptors which may merely have been flying over an estate indicate a population that is ‘thriving’ is clearly ludicrous.

“It is astonishing that the Angus Glens area is being held up as an example of good practice, given the long absence of successfullybreeding raptors over much of this region, as well as the appalling recent history of illegal killing of protected species.”

Mr Thomson added: “Walkers in the area this spring were greeted to a plethora of gas guns, inflatable decoys and strings of fireworks scattered across the hills, all designed to scare off, rather than welcome, birds of prey.”

Richard Cooke, manager of the Invermark Estate, which contributed to the survey, said: “It is really disappointing that the RSPB can’t recognise recent improvements made, particularly over the last five years and simply disregarding all positive efforts made by estates to help in the conservation of birds of prey.”

He added: “A collaborative approach between estates and RSPB, a charity body which has bird conservation at its core, is imperative if these positive developments are to continue.”