Scottish Countryside Alliance voice concern over Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill

A new Bill, which Ministers say aims to 'protect the environment and tackle the persecution of birds of prey', has been published by the Scottish Government prompting concern among rural campaigners.

The new 'Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill' 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 the use and purchase of glue traps.

The legislation follows the introduction of new measures in recent years, including the Animals and Wildlife Penalties, Protections and Powers Act, which introduced high penalties for wildlife crimes, as well as the 2023 Hunting with Dogs Act.

According to a press release distributed by the Scottish Government, the new Bill has been designed to implement the recommendations set out in the Werritty Review.

Jake Swindells, Director of the Scottish Countryside Alliance said: " We remain extremely concerned that the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill could undermine effective wildlife management, while also risking much of the investment associated with grouse shooting, which is vital for the management of precious moorland habitats and the livelihoods of many rural workers.

"Unless the Government works closely with those who actually manage the land, they risk getting this very wrong. Much of the devil will be in the detail of the regulations and licensing regimes which will follow. The Scottish Countryside Alliance will work to ensure the future of Scotland's rural community and wildlife are protected and that policy is based on sound evidence, which has not always been the case with policy impacting the countryside in recent years".

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