A leading wildlife charity has called on T in the Park bosses to halt “unethical” efforts to keep ospreys away from a nest at their planned festival site in the grounds of Strathallan Castle.
RSPB Scotland has criticised promoters DF Concerts for using a cherry picker and Saltire flag to discourage the birds of prey from returning to their old nest.
It is claimed that the hugely popular festival could be cancelled if ospreys touch down at the showground site. Festival bosses want the birds to use a new, specially made nest at another, more secluded part of the 1,000-acre estate.
In a statement posted on RSPB Scotland’s website, a spokesman said: “We regard the current activity around the osprey nest as unethical and unacceptable. Even if they are within the law, they must stop immediately.”
However, a spokeswoman for DF Concerts defended its action.
“We have not and would never attempt to disturb the ospreys and it is important to note that the RSPB has made it clear that we have not broken any laws,” she said.
The RSPB’s new statement has been welcomed by the campaigning Strathallan T Action Group (STAG), which is fighting to block the festival’s move.
A spokesman said: “STAG is delighted that RSPB Scotland has now taken such a strong position regarding DF Concert’s shocking tactics to ‘dissuade’ the ospreys from returning to their favoured nest at Strathallan.”
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