This afternoon the Scottish Government Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment Marie Gougeon made a parliamentary response to the Werritty Report on grouse moor management. The full details can be read here but a licensing scheme will be introduced as well as a statutory ban on burning on peatland and licensing of muirburn regardless of when it takes place and whether it it for grouse moor management or improving grazing. The Scottish Government will produce guidance on best management practices for the use of medicated grit and look at compliance monitoring.

This is very welcome news. It needs to be backed up by a robust, properly monitored licensing scheme with clear penalties based on civil law standards of proof that is in place by the start of the 2021 grouse shooting season. If this happens then life will become a little easier for ALL our wildlife.

Not everyone will be shouting with joy tonight. The Chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (Angus Hogg) has already issued an emotional and angry response to the news and no doubt others in the shooting world will be unhappy. Those who campaigned for a complete ban on Driven Grouse Shooting will probably feel cheated too but both fairness and legal constraints mean that this is as far as legislation can go at this time. Those who adhere to the law have nothing to fear and for them life can carry on much as usual but for those who break the law life is going to become very much harder.

One final point of interest. The announcement on the Scottish Government has the following sub heading: Additional measures to protect birds of prey. You were warned guys but you would not stop.