Grouse moor operators’ statement on Hen Harrier Survey

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates, which represents land-based businesses across Scotland, issued the following statement in response to the Hen Harrier Survey published by RSPB.

 

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “This survey makes clear that Scotland remains the stronghold for Hen Harriers in the UK, with nearly 80% of the UK and Isle of Man population breeding in Scotland. This is very welcome news which is to be celebrated, particularly the increases found in the Eastern and Northern Highlands where many estates have grouse shooting interests.

 

“Many shooting estates have participated in initiatives aimed at improving the population in Scotland further and grouse moor managers and gamekeepers have been happy to see hen harriers on their land as well as other raptor species.

 

“The illegal killing of raptors in Scotland has been at very low levels for a number of years and at a time when raptor populations are expanding. It is misleading to give the impression that when a satellite tag fails, the presumption is that a bird has been killed. Those working on the land know full well that there are many reasons that hen harriers die, particularly early in life, and why satellite tags fail.

 

“We firmly believe that at a time when Scotland has the strictest laws in place regarding wildlife crime, including a forthcoming licensing scheme for grouse shooting, the RSPB moves forward and acknowledges – as government and other agencies do – that grouse moors have an important role to play in the conservation of at-risk bird species.”