The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Moor licensing would deliver a ‘destructive’ hit
GAMEKEEPING: MSP urges government to act ‘quickly and decisively’ after review
Scottish gamekeepers say grouse moor licensing could “deliver a destructive blow to vital businesses” in Perthshire and Angus.
In a row following a review of grouse moor management, gamekeepers held their ground while the Scottish Greens called for urgent action to either ban or license grouse shooting.
It follows the review led by Professor Alan Werritty, which was prompted by the persecution of birds of prey around grouse moors.
Recommendations made include licensing of grouse shooting, and regulation of muirburn and mountain hare management.
In a joint statement, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Scottish Countryside Alliance, Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Scottish Association for Country Sports, and Scottish Land and Estates said: “New regulations regarding mountain hares, muirburn and the use of medicated grit, when taken on an individual basis, represents colossal change for the sector.
“On top of that, any overarching licensing scheme for grouse moors is hugely complex and could wreak havoc on a crucial source of employment in rural Scotland.
“The sector recognises the concerns of the public that we should operate at the highest welfare and environmental standards and it has been achieving this.
“If licensing is pursued with no economic assessment, and against the backdrop of an already fragile sector, then it could deliver a destructive blow to vital businesses and hard-pressed communities in Scotland’s rural economy.”
Professor Werritty gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s environment, climate change and land reform committee yesterday.
During the meeting he reportedly admitted: “We don’t know what is happening where.”
Tasked with considering licensing of grouse shooting, the panel had been “evenly split” on the issue.
Scottish Green MSP Mr Ruskell added: “The starting point for this review was the shocking and illegal killing of dozens of satellite tagged birds of prey. To simply allow this to continue for another five years in the hope that the body count will slow down would be deeply irresponsible. It’s now time for government to act decisively.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are currently giving full and careful consideration to the recommendations of the recently published Grouse Moor Management report, alongside other evidence, and it is only right that this process concludes before we publish a full response. We will do this as soon as practicable.
“When the report was published in December, the environment secretary indicated that the option of a licensing scheme will need to be considered and, if required, implemented earlier than the five-year timeframe suggested by the review group.”