Within the next week, 2 meetings with MSPs are in the diary- the first looking at the Capercaillie Emergency Plan.
Will it will be adequate to save the iconic ‘horse of the woods’? Is it wonderful or is it woeful?
Maybe you can give us you views by emailing info@scottishgamekeepers.co.uk
You can find the Capercaillie Emergency Plan, here: https://cairngorms.co.uk/capercaillie-emergency-plan/
This is an issue the SGA has been consistently vocal on, see: https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2024/2024-09-06-capercaillie-down-9-amidst-extinction-fears.php
Evidence of consistent decline would suggest we’re not wide of the mark. For a wider, critical perspective on the issue, read this excellent GUEST article by Victor Clements https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2024/2024-11-11-not-a-plan-at-all-guest-article-on-the-capercaillie-action-plan.php
In our Winter magazine, members will have heard that we made a complaint to the BBC regarding reporting on wildlife issues in a recent programme.
Since then, we’ve escalated this to the next level with the national broadcaster, after listening to members, and we will update on this soon.
Our training programmes continue (see above), ensuring we equip members and other wildlife managers with the skills to do their job in line with recent law changes.
See NEW DATES here: https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2024/2024-12-30-new-training-dates-for-2025.php
REMEMBER the trapping courses are mandatory for ALL wildlife managers who will be setting legal and approved animal traps, following the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill, so please book your training NOW.
Later this month, the SGA will be presenting to the Conservative group of MSPs at Holyrood on issues impacting you, our members.
Deer Group officials will be giving evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on January 29th at a round-table discussion on the arguments likely to feature in the soon-to-be-published draft of the Natural Environment Bill which is part of the Programme for Government in 2025.
It’s shaping up to be a busy month as we start the New Year.
Members are at the coal face, working at shoots and getting their deer cull completed. Syndicates and sporting members are enjoying some excellent days in the field. It’s busy in fox management, at the threshold of lambing and breeding seasons. The prospect of ‘Keepers’ Days’ can wait a bit longer.
Our AGM will take place on Friday March 7th in Inverness-shire, so please BOOK a place now by contacting the office on info@scottishgamekeepers.co.uk
We will looking at a different format this year which enables more member input so keep checking back our website, member e-newsletters and social media. We will also be welcoming our imaging partners, HIKMicro, who will be demonstrating some excellent products with a Membership EXCLUSIVE Product Discount.
Our latest film is OUT, focusing on the work of one of our SGA Youth Committee Members. Not seen it yet? Check it out, here. It’s a 2 minute video. https://youtube.com/shorts/1LyZlCiB7Uw?si=AYVcoVYIUiRzV4a1
Remember to Subscribe to our YouTube channel when you view. We’re close to 500 Subscribers so please follow us for all the latest films.
Finally, the next stage of the Chairman’s Petition on Predator Control as an act of Conservation will be heard on February 5th, see: https://www.parliament.scot/get-involved/petitions/view-petitions/pe2035-recognise-legal-control-of-generalist-predators-as-a-conservation-act
Happy New Year to all members, supporters and followers.
