ORCADIAN GREYLAG goose meat will continue to be sold throughout Scotland until the end of January 2020.

The original three-month trial announced by Scottish Natural Heritage in August has now been extended to January 31, to tie in with the delayed Brexit date and to encourage the use of fresh, seasonal, wild goose meat and help boost local business

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the sale of goose meat is traditionally restricted, however, for several years it has been sold under licence on Orkney to sustainably control the growing resident greylag geese population.

For several years, farmers and crofters have been plagued by the impact of a rising geese population, and will welcome the extension, allowing them to better safeguard their crops and sell goose meat for profit.

SNH’s head of Natural Resource Management, Claudia Rowse said: ‘We are delighted to announce the continued sale of resident greylag goose meat. Now, licensed sellers from Orkney will have a chance to develop the market for their product and people can try goose for themselves, on Orkney, and across Scotland.

“Wild geese are an important part of Scotland’s nature, but their rapid rise in numbers has been challenging for farmers and crofters. We know that striking the balance between conservation, farming and hunting can be difficult,” she admitted.

“Our goal is to give farmers and crofters the tools they need to safeguard their crops, allowing them to control goose numbers sustainably and sell goose meat for profit.”

SNH is working to secure longer term arrangements for the sale of resident greylag goose meat in Scotland. A project review will take place in January 2020, in light of the UK’s EU exit arrangements, and to take account of any changes arising from the current review of its General Licences.