Logan Steele, the Scottish Raptor Study Group‘s Communications Secretary, has written a guest blog for the RSPB on why a licensing scheme is urgently required for the grouse shooting industry.
Logan was one of several to represent the Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG) at a number of Parliamentary Committees a couple of years ago, presenting the case for the introduction of a licensing scheme for game-shooting estates (e.g. see here).
Since then, and following the findings of the Golden Eagle Satellite Tag Review which provided overwhelming evidence of continued golden eagle persecution, Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced a review of grouse moor management. The review group’s chair, Professor Alan Werritty, is due to report this summer and we’re all keen to read his recommendations and whether the introduction of a licensing scheme is supported.
Logan has written two blogs – the first one (here) sets the scene to the SRSG’s work on this topic and the second one will be published next week, describing what SRSG workers hope to see in the Werritty Review.
Raptor Persecution UK 
These blogs will hopefully have the effect of keeping the attention of the Scottish government on these issues. It will be a huge disappointment if the Poustie recommendations are not implemented this year as the government has said it intends. There are powerful voices who may be trying to prevent or delay all associated changes to our wildlife legislation. They need to be countered wherever possible.
I cannot thank you enough for your stirling work to protect our raptors. It is a battle worth fighting. While other bird organisations sit on the fence it is wonderful that the shooting industry is being challenged all over the UK by organisations that work tirelessly to protect all our wildlife. Please continue with this great work.
Thanks Logan for your efforts in highlighting the persecution of our raptors. Good work, thanks.
Rob, thanks, we all do what we can.