SLE statement on RSPB bird crime report

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement regarding the RSPB Birdcrime report, which has been published today (Wednesday 23 October).

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland, Scottish Land & Estates, said: “In recent years, Scottish Government official wildlife crime reports have demonstrated a decline in bird crime to the lowest levels on record. 

"It is a great pity that the RSPB refuse to acknowledge progress made across the shooting sector - not only to reduce bird crime, but to conserve some of our most endangered bird species. We do not condone wildlife crime in any shape or form. 

"Regrettably, the RSPB goes to great lengths to portray a worsening situation when the exact opposite is the case. They have majored in statistics over a 15-year period in the latest Bird Crime report. What they fail to acknowledge is the steep decline in what they characterise as 'confirmed incidents' in Scotland in recent years. 

"For example, there were just four Scottish incidents in 2022; and just six in 2023. Even then, we know that what the RSPB determine to be a 'confirmed incident' is not necessarily a view shared by the police and law enforcement agencies. There are several reports from 2022 and 2023 which generated no appeal for information from the Police, which suggests there was not adequate suspicion to suspect a crime has occurred. Moreover, it is clear that many of the 'confirmed incidents' are unrelated to grouse moor management. 

"We do not condone wildlife crime in any form and have supported the introduction of the toughest penalties. Furthermore, a licensing scheme for grouse moors has been introduced in Scotland which places a further burden of responsibility on grouse moor operators and gamekeepers.”