Grouse shooting has no place in modern Scotland, time to close loopholes
The Scottish Government must be vigilant in ensuring that regulations are followed during this year’s shooting season and that any new loopholes are identified and closed, says the Scottish Greens rural affairs spokesperson, Ariane Burgess MSP.
Ms Burgess’s comments come ahead of the so-called ‘Glorious 12th’ and the start of grouse shooting season.
In 2024 the Scottish Government introduced a number of crucial protections that the Scottish Greens have long called for, including a licensing system for the cruel practice. Yet, in the time since, animal rights campaigners have warned of loopholes in the legislation.
NatureScot has been accused of reducing the area of land affected by a new licensing regime for grouse moors, a point that Green MSPs will move amendments to correct as part of the new Land Reform Bill.
Ms Burgess said:
“There is nothing glorious about the mass killing of animals for entertainment, but that is what was allowed to take place across our communities for far too long.
“The new protections have been a big step forward in curbing the cruel sport, but there are real concerns about loopholes in the licensing.
“We need to ensure that the system is as robust as possible. That means identifying any gaps in the legislation and ensuring that they are closed as soon as possible and that we do not undermine the intention of the Act that was passed.
“At heart this is a question about what kind of country we want to be. The Scottish Greens will always stand against bloodsports and the ritualistic killing of animals that goes with it. It has no place in a modern or compassionate Scotland.”
Ariane added:
“There is also a big opportunity for us to invest in greener jobs that boost nature rather than People who work on the shooting estates are extremely skilled.
“What we need is for them to be supported to take those skills and use them to work with nature in support of regeneration and restoration of our much degraded biodiversity.”