The Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill (at Stage One) was introduced to the Scottish Parliament today.
This is the initial step in a 3 Stage process (including Committee deliberations and Bill amendments) before the Bill becomes law.
The SGA has released the following statement.
A Spokesman for The Scottish Gamekeepers Association said: “The SGA will take some time to assess the ramifications. The Bill leaves some fundamental questions unanswered for our members and we will be seeking meetings with decision makers in the coming days.
“It is very disappointing that Scottish Government has ignored the longest running UK research, Peatland- ES-UK, which is finally giving us fresh insights into the important role that controlled muirburn can play in sequestering carbon in peatlands. (1)
“This Bill will, instead, restrict that activity in Scotland at a time when it could be assisting national objectives. It is a short-sighted step at a time when our understanding has developed considerably. Scottish Government should understand this move will not be taken well by rural workers.”
You can read the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill, and its explanatory notes, here:
https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/wildlife-management-and-muirburn-scotland-bill
