Estates and gamekeepers react to new Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill
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Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement following publication of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill at the Scottish Parliament.
Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive, Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We are disappointed that after so many years of deliberation on the issue of grouse moor management, the Scottish Government has introduced a draft bill that proposes to take a legislative sledgehammer to a community which delivers very substantial social, economic, environmental and conservation benefits – many of which are recognised by Scottish Ministers.
“This legislation was originally considered to address the issue of raptor persecution – even though Scotland already has the most stringent laws in place to deal with such incidents.
"This Bill goes well beyond that by introducing punitive civil sanctions for other types of activity without justification.
"It is deeply regrettable that the Scottish Government appears not to have taken on board the massive strides that have been achieved in tackling raptor persecution over the last decade, resulting in incidents being at an all-time low."
Serious questions now had to be raised about the legality, proportionality and workability of the proposed licensing scheme, the SL&E spokesperson continued.
"It seems a licence to shoot grouse may be refused or revoked for reasons that are unconnected to raptors or indeed grouse moor management. We also have huge concerns about the lack of safeguards for licence holders, which are essential to good law.
“We also have deep concerns about the restrictions on muirburn which plays such a vital role in preserving habitats and preventing the spread of wildfire – something that is recognised by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.
“We will be making robust representations to the Scottish Government and opposition parties to ensure that the legislation is made fit for purpose.”
Also this morning, a spokesman for The Scottish Gamekeepers Association said: “The SGA will take some time to assess the ramifications. The Bill leaves some fundamental questions unanswered for our members and we will be seeking meetings with decision makers in the coming days.
“It is very disappointing that Scottish Government has ignored the longest running UK research, Peatland- ES-UK, which is finally giving us fresh insights into the important role that controlled muirburn can play in sequestering carbon in peatlands.
“This Bill will, instead, restrict that activity in Scotland at a time when it could be assisting national objectives. It is a short-sighted step at a time when our understanding has developed considerably. Scottish Government should understand this move will not be taken well by rural workers.”
And the British Association for Shooting and Conservation has raised significant concerns about the Bill which seeks to introduce licensing for land used for red grouse shooting, licensing for muirburn, licensing and training requirements for certain other types of wildlife traps and a ban on the use and purchase of glue traps.
Peter Clark, BASC’s Scotland public affairs manager, said: “This is yet another raft of legislation which will curtail the ability of land managers to effectively protect Scotland’s biodiversity and support rural livelihoods.
“Unproven, unnecessary and overstretched this Bill threatens more than just successful moorland management, but also farming practices, conservation efforts, hundreds of jobs and millions in economic value. The direct and indirect benefits that arise from grouse shooting are too important to be risked in this manner.
“We will be working with MSPs and the Minister to ensure that the Bill does not have these damaging consequences.”
