GROUSE MOORS

Dave Windle

Little has changed since our last issue. Birds of prey continue to disappear on grouse moors and gamekeepers continue to blame anybody but themselves. The latest RSPB report is available.

The Courier reported on this. I was pleased to see that the SGA refused to endorse the figures. After all, it's like Donald Trump. If he endorses anything, you know for sure that it's a lie!

There is evidence that gamekeepers are getting smarter at hiding the evidence of their misdeeds as official figures show an improving situation. Given the remote and unfrequented nature of grouse moors, it's no surprise that there's less evidence of wrongdoing. However, birds still continue to disappear on grouse moors. Mountain hares continue to be slaughtered.

The Grouse Moor Management group (GMMG) has now finished gathering evidence and is in the process of reviewing this evidence and starting to compile their report, which is due to go the Scottish Government soon. Further information can be found at GMMG and RSPB. Professor Werrity’s previous report on sustainable moorland management was very late and disappointing in its conclusions. Let's hope for better things this time. The evidence clearly shows the urgent need for a system of licensing of grouse moors.

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