Chairmans Blog


January 25th

Why oh why is Scotland the only country in the UK to still have the ban on tail docking of working dogs?

December 20th

Just back in from ferreting a plantation of young larch and scots pine trees. I am soaked to the skin and frozen. My daughter is visiting us with her boyfriend and I thought it would be a good chance for him to see some different animal tracks in the snow.

December 9th

I am not a happy chappy. I was cutting old rabbit fences away this morning and my ear is bleeding profusely. I detest that high tensile wire; when you cut it with the wire cutters it goes off like a coiled spring. It felt like I had been shot in the ear.

Aims

The aims of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association are to:

* Promote the work keepers do for the good of the countryside and its management

* Educate gamekeepers in aspects of the law and good practice on wildlife matters

* To promote the welfare of gamekeepers when issues concerning their jobs come under attack from pressure groups and government policies

* To liaise with other shooting organisations and rural alliances and to point out the implications should shooting ever be restricted in Scotland

These aims are met in a variety of ways, but one of the most important is the maintenance of links with Scottish Government Ministers, MSPs and other organisations such as SNH. Contact takes a variety of forms from individual meetings with officials and their departments, through to the issue of consultation responses. We campaign vigorously on behalf of our members and are always prepared to argue our case based on sound practical knowledge.

We are equally committed to ensuring that the press and media receive a balanced view of land management, chiefly by explaining the critical importance of the work of our members for biodiversity and the rural economy.

And just as important, we are keen to engage with the public to dispel myths and explain our role in making the wonderful Scottish countryside what it is, so that we are properly seen as Scotland's true conservationists.