Scotland’s gamekeepers have accused a grouse shooting reform group of mounting a “wrecking ball” campaign which could destroy Angus and Perthshire estates and put families out of work.
The number of birds of prey being poisoned has dropped to a record low, according to official figures.
Grouse shooting kicked off with typical Scottish rain yesterday, in stark contrast to the recent hot weather it was feared would delay the start of the season.
Sir, – It was with mixed feelings that I read of legally set traps being vandalised and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s concern.
The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) believes the impact of the country’s growing number of wind farms on protected wildlife may have been massively under-reported.
Bird of prey crimes across Scotland fell by more than 25% last year, according to new figures.
Roseanna Cunningham has appealed directly to Scotland’s gamekeepers, stalkers and fishing ghillies to play their part in fighting wildlife crime.
A long serving Perthshire gamekeeper has warned of serious damage to habitats and "dead hares lying everywhere" if protesters get their way.
Celebrity chef Nick Nairn got the Glorious Twelfth off to a bang as he welcomed the start of grouse season with a shooting party in Perthshire.
Gamekeepers have pledged to work with police over allegations golden eagles have been "disappearing" in Scotland.