Yesterday I attended the Scottish Police Wildlife Liaison Conference at the Police College at Tulliallan. The vibes were generally upbeat with the working police recognising the important part we play in patrolling the countryside, especially when their resources are becoming more and more stretched. We are a vital link when it comes to rural crime. The really good news was the fact that poisoning statistics have dropped by 50%. Many people in the room seemed very quiet on this fantastic point. I am absolutely sure that if this had been a 50% drop in house breakings the police would have been jumping from the roof-tops, so well done everybody. It really is a credit too you all. What is now needed is a step back to the table with SNH in their new role and let’s discuss buzzard licensing, hopefully with the support of the Scottish Government.
I am glad to say that Ruby is now on the mend after all the poor dog has been through. But I thought I would mention the fact that the final vet’s bill was £280. This is a huge bill to pay from a working man’s salary and there must be many more working men and women out there who have had a worse, and more costly, experience than me. Do young keepers’ families have to suffer financial hardship for the sake of decisions made by the last government?
I watched Shonnie the Shooter last night on the television. Now I have never met Shonnie but he came across very well on TV. It seemed to me to be a bit of “Roy of the Rovers” scenario where Scotland has somebody we could be very proud of, but badly needs some support. So come on some of the big players out there- give him a help up!