From today the new law protecting mountain hares in Scotland takes effect. It will be unlawful to kill this species without a licence from Scottish Natrual Heritage (S.N.H.). In light of the ease with which S.N.H. has issued licences for the lethal control of beavers and the marked reluctance of the Scottish Government to introduce the ban in the first place that may not be much protection at all. In the ‘land management’ corner we have the Scottish Gamekeeper’s Association (S.G.A.)who can always be relied on for serious science based measured comment. Having previously assured us that the mountain hare would become extinct if they were not allowed to kill it on an industrial scale they are now advocating plans to move the surplus animals (surely there won’t be any Ed) to ‘other areas’. More high quality science and a consistent approach to problem solving from Scotland’s conservation kings! We are really looking forward to the political party they are forming to contest seats in the May elections for Holyrood. It seems to have been delayed a little but perhaps that was due to their spat with the children from Sunnyside Primary School in Glasgow. It must have taken all the intellectual prowess at the top of the S.G.A. to organise a campaign against a buch of eight year olds. Perhaps their chums in C4PMC could add the children to their next advent calendar. That should be a real vote winner. Go Alex Go!