Council must stand up for what’ s right

Donald Lewis, Pine Cottage, Beech Hill, Gifford, East Lothian SIR, – As I live close to Findhorn Bay and have been involved in attempts to find a solution to the problem regarding uncontrolled shooting, I feel compelled to respond to the decision by Moray Council.

Although we understand the complexity of the problem strong leadership is now required from the council. Unfortunately, it has not really accepted the responsibility to manage the problem. The council decided to address the problem by facilitating mediation between the “stakeholders” in order to find a middle position between two extremes.

The premise is that the problem is caused by conflicting preferences of opposing groups and the solution would be to bring opposing parties to a mediated compromise.

Sadly, this interpretation of the situation is a fallacy. The council should embrace its duty of care regarding the integrity and purpose of a nature reserve. The following principles are affected by shooting in the bay.

Health and safety: Findhorn Bay is at the doorstep of a residential area. Shooting takes place at the same time and place where members of the public are enjoying nature and experiencing peace and quiet. It has happened that a loaded gun was pointed in the direction of a member of the public. It has happened that a gun was fired close to a granny and a child. School children waiting for a bus are exposed to the sight of geese being shot in the sky. Children come across wounded geese in a playground. Residents are kept awake by shooting close to them until late at night.

Ecological considerations: Findhorn Bay is an acknowledged habitat for birds that are regarded as threatened. The south-east corner, where most of the shooting happens, is a favourite place for waders. The uncontrolled shooting

sometimes resembles a battlefield, spoiling the habitat. The council should intervene and protect the integrity of the nature reserve.

I am a member of Friends of Findhorn Bay.

The next shooting season is approaching. The bay and the public will again be exposed to indiscriminate, uncontrolled shooting.

It’s time for our leaders to stand up for what is right.