According to local sources, a criminal case against a Scottish gamekeeper opened today in the sheriff’s court. He faces six charges under Sections 1 and 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Section 1 of the Act is concerned with the protection of wild birds, their nests and eggs.
Section 5 of the Act is concerned with the prohibition of certain methods of killing and taking wild birds.
The case today was continued, without plea, until 2nd October.
This case looks set to be of VERY significant interest. Without going in to detail, there are four aspects in which we’re particularly interested:
1. The nature of the alleged offences.
2. The type of evidence that could be presented by the prosecution.
3. The length of time it has taken for this case to reach court.
4. The relationship of the defendant with a particular organisation.
Watch this space…
Raptor Persecution UK 
I’d just like to say that this blog, above all other sources, gives me cause to think that both irresponsible and responsible people in the game shooting industry, the authorities responsible for investigation and prosecution of offenses, and bodies providing data on persecution, must be squirming if they read this blog (and I’m sure they do). Surely this must eventually have an effect. Please keep up the good work.
Alex Milne..they all need to a damn sight more than just squirm…they need to clean up their act and stop supporting criminal activity..its hard to think of any other area within society where this sort of behaviour would have been tolerated so long.
We all now see the immorality of bankers and other captains of industry being paid huge bonusses when they have failed us…what about those in the justice system who continue to fail us but never seem to be replaced..but continue the same ineffective damaging practices, for decades now.
Is there a reason for keeping the court and defendent’s name secret?
Isn’t that in the public domain?
Hi Prasad,
We chose not to publicise the defendant’s name or the court, for strategic reasons (not prepared to discuss on open blog – sorry). We will publish his name in due course, just not right now.