Scottish grouse licensing bill now 'workable' says SLE

However, a senior Tory MSP has warned there is 'no room for complacency' as the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill moves to the next stage.

Scotland Land & Estates (SLE) say further changes to a proposed grouse moor management licensing scheme can help achieve a ‘workable’ grouse system licensing regime – but fears still remain that the scheme will introduce measures that will undermine best working practices.

READ MORE | Grouse shooting licensing continues to spark debate

The organisation commented following the completion of stage two of the Bill at the rural affairs and islands committee.

The bill will now proceed to its last stage, which is expected to occur after the Easter recess.

Ross Ewing, Director at SLE said: “Management of land for grouse provides a huge social, economic, and environmental contribution to Scotland and whilst we believe new legislation is excessive, any future regulation needs to be workable for the sector to operate within.

“The proposed annual licence for grouse shooting did not reflect the long-term nature of grouse moor management and by increasing the duration of grouse shoot licences from one year to five years, the Scottish Government has recognised a more viable system had to be put in place.

“Likewise, significant concerns had been raised that licences could be suspended without NatureScot being satisfied that a relevant offence had been committed. This disproportionate power could have had serious consequences for businesses and livelihoods and we are glad that this has been recognised and rectified.”

Mr Ewing said the committee has adopted 'pragmatic changes' to the muirburn section, although adding that opening the muirburn season earlier will provide flexibility to land managers. SLE does not believe a sufficient assessment has taken place on closing the season earlier.

READ MORE | Businesses urge ScotGov to rethink grouse moor legislation

He continued: “The government’s amendment which will add offences under section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 as ‘relevant offences’ in the context of trap and grouse shoot licences is also concerning. The inclusion of these offences disproportionately widens the scope of the licensing scheme beyond the defined policy aim of addressing raptor persecution and in doing so, creates doubt over whether the licensing scheme is proportionate and reasonable.”

Rural affairs committee member and Tory rural affairs spokesperson Rachael Hamilton said ministers would continue to be 'challenged at every opportunity' over the Bill.

Tory rural affairs spokesperson Rachael Hamilton

She said: “The SNP-Green government have once again proved how out-of-touch they are with rural Scotland by going above and beyond the Werrity recommendations.

“It is welcome that some of the concerns raised by stakeholders have been addressed at Stage 2, but there can be no room for complacency.

“That is why I will be seeking to bring back amendments at stage three of this bill to ensure that the final bill is proportionate and works for those that live and work the land.

“Alongside my Scottish Conservative colleagues, I will be continuing to challenge ministers at every turn to guarantee that SNP-Green legislation will not harm our rural economy and rural way of life.”

Key points from day two of stage two include:

• Removal from the Bill of arbitrary licence suspension without proof of an offence having been committed

• The duration of grouse shoot licences increased from one year to five years

• The removal of a provision which would have rendered muirburn as the tool of last resort

• Earlier opening for the muirburn season, moved from October 1 to September 15, but also earlier closure from April 15 to March 31.