Scottish Raptor Study Group

News - June and July 2016

Illegal bird traps found set on Invercauld Estate grouse moor in Cairngorms National Park
22 July 2016
RSPB Scotland has appealed for information following the discovery of illegally-set spring traps in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The conservation organisation has commended the actions of two members of the public who alerted it to a distressed bird caught in a trap they came across while out walking but is disappointed that, as with many wildlife crimes, the perpetrators are yet to be identified. The names of the Estate where the traps were discovered has been revealed as Invercauld Estate.

Rare success for hen harriers at Mar Lodge Estate in the Cairngorms National Park
18 July 2016
Rare hen harriers have bred successfully at a National Trust for Scotland (NTS) estate in the Cairngorms for the first time in living memory.
NTS said four chicks had hatched from one nest at the Mar Lodge Estate. Further details here.

Conviction upheld for buzzard-killing gamekeeper on Newlands Estate, Dumfriesshire
16 July 2016
The High Court has upheld the conviction of gamekeeper William Dick, who last year was found guilty of killing a buzzard on the Newlands Estate in Dumfriesshire. Mr Dick had appealed his conviction. Further details here.

Petition to introduce state regulated licensing for gamebird hunting in Scotland
13 July 2016
The Scottish Raptor Study Group has launched a petition calling on the Scottish government to introduce a state regulated licensing scheme for all gamebird hunting in Scotland. We would like the scheme to address long-term concerns about the damaging environmental impact of intensive gamebird shooting, particularly its strong association with the illegal persecution of birds of prey. We believe such a licensing scheme will be fair to those involved with sustainable gamebird shooting but will effectively target those who continue to cause problems. You can find background information about our petition here, here and here, and the petition can be signed here. It is open until 22 August 2016. Thank you for your support.

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