Press release from the Scottish Greens following the recent publication of the latest Scottish Government-commissioned report on the socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of grouse moor management:
Commenting on the publication of a new Scottish Government report into grouse moor management, Scottish Green rural economy spokesperson John Finnie said:
“It is welcome that The Scottish Government is exploring alternatives to grouse moors. This report shows that alternative uses would boost Scotland’s rural economy. A move to conservation or renewable energy, for example, would dwarf the economic impact of grouse moor management. Previous research has shown this would also create new jobs, especially in forestry.
“However, while this research recognises the growing public and political concern about grouse moors, it ignores some key issues. For example, the persecution of eagles and other raptors damages Scotland’s reputation as an eco-tourism destination, yet there’s no mention of it.
“It also fails to address the damaging impact of muirburn on our climate ambitions.
“The Scottish Government has dragged its heels for almost a year since the Werrity review published its limited findings. During that time we’ve seen the burning of peatland and the killing of wildlife continue. People have been shooting grouse even during COVID restrictions.
“Scotland’s land needs to be freed up for the economic and social benefit of all of its people and used in ways that contributes to a thriving rural economy and natural environment. It’s time for the Scottish Government to get on with it.”
ENDS
Raptor Persecution UK 
An excellent pingback from RPUK
Shocking to say the least but a must read.
http://parkswatchscotland.co.uk/2020/11/07/prince-charles-and-conservation-in-the-cairngorms-national-park/
Thanks very much for this link. Let’s see what we can do with this..
They hear what they want to hear same as Prince Charles banging on about climate control and the enviroment then the family pay for muirburn gamekeepers and lead shot.
Sadly it appears to me that the timing of this report, and it’s substance indicates that it might be setting the scene for an ineffective response to the Werrity Report. The fact that neither the illegal persecution of our raptors or the huge damage that muirburn does in the longer term, .is mentioned only heightens my concern.
Let hope that I am mistaken.
Sadly, I agree George. But let’s see.
Clearly the SNP setting the groundwork for doing nothing to address the real issues surrounding DGS
Hopefully the greens will step up the pressure and if Charles keeps banging on about us all doing our bit for climate change and the enviroment he may well end up with his foot right in it.
They never had any intentions of doing anything when they commissioned Werrity. They are no different than the Tories.