Scottish Government commits to tackle the circle of destruction surrounding Scotand’s grouse moors

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday), Mairi Gougeon  MSP, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment announced a series of measures to address the ‘complex and controversial issues’ surrounding grouse moors, recognising that self regulation is not working.

Campaign Manager for Revive Max Wiszniewski said: “We are encouraged by some of what we have heard from the Scottish Government and welcome proposals to address the severe damage caused by grouse moor management.  

“Scotland’s grouse moors are barren landscapes devoid of the majority of naturally occurring flora and fauna, surrounded by a circle of destruction intended to wipe out anything which pose a threat to red grouse, which are effectively farmed to be shot for entertainment. As the Minister said self regulation is not working and further intervention is needed so we are delighted that the first steps are being taken to address this.”  

The Scottish Government commissioned Grouse Moor Management Group published its report last December, led by Professor Alan Werritty after a review of grouse moor management practices was ordered by the Scottish Government in 2017. The Scottish Government today responded to this announcing measures to license grouse moors, including addressing issues such as muirburn, the use of medicated grit and hare culling.

New figures published earlier this month show seven in ten people (71%) are opposed to grouse shooting in Scotland with only 12% in favour of the blood sport, views which are shared by those in both urban and rural locations.

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Notes to editor

1. Revive is a coalition of like-minded organisations working for grouse moor reform in Scotland. Coalition partners include Common Weal, OneKind, Friends of the Earth Scotland, League Against Cruel Sports and Raptor Persecution UK. 
2. Media enquiries to Louise Robertson on 07930 539832 / louise@messagematters.co.uk