IT IS now official Scottish National Party policy to support the introduction of licensing for driven grouse shooting estates.

Following a motion raised and approved by delegates to the party's National Council in Perth, RSPB Scotland welcomed the move, saying that it added 'considerable momentum' to the campaign for shooting estate licensing.

Distinct from its ruling party's stated policy, the Scottish Government has not yet come out with legislation seeking such a clampdown on grouse moors – but it has recently set up an expert group to consider issues around grouse moors, including the licensing question.

RSPB Scotland's Ian Thomson said: “It has become increasingly clear that self-regulation by the gamebird shooting industry has failed, with frequent incidents of illegal killing of protected birds of prey, unsustainable culls of mountain hares and repeated damage to vulnerable peatland habitats.

“While we have welcomed steps taken by successive Scottish Governments to bear down on wildlife crime, it is evident that the increasingly intensive management of some areas, solely aimed at producing ever-larger grouse bags, flies in the face of public opinion and that better regulation of this industry, to ensure legal, sustainable management of our uplands, is long overdue.”

Jennifer Dunn, a member of the SNP’s National Council, who proposed the motion said: “I’m delighted that fellow delegates voted in favour of shooting estate licensing. Raptor persecution is a huge issue that many, many people care deeply about.

“Although the conference floor cannot dictate policy to the Government, I’m hopeful that Ministers will listen to party activists and introduce tough new policies to combat wildlife crime."