Stage 2 of the Natural Environment Bill will begin tomorrow (Wed) at the morning meeting of the Rural Affairs Committee at Holyrood.
As stated, the SGA is seeking the removal of controversial and wide-ranging powers for NatureScot to intervene in deer management (Section 4) on ‘nature restoration’ grounds (6ZB). Read more, here: https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2024/2025-11-11-sga-calls-for-removal-of-deer-powers-from-bill.php
The SGA’s amendments are in, along with an amendment guide for MSPs, which reflects the needs of professional deer managers and security for vital deer management jobs.
Constructive discussions were held at Holyrood today (Tues) with MSPs and the first round of amendments will be heard on Wednesday.
The SGA will also be active at Stage 3, with further amendments planned, depending on deliberations at Stage 2.
MSPs have been made aware the SGA believes the 6ZB power carries the threat of destabilising current voluntary deer management efforts and being applied selectively and in an inequitable manner across Scotland’s landscape.
NatureScot are also being given wide-ranging latitude which the Bill, currently, leaves unchecked.
You can watch Day One of Stage 2 tomorrow on Parliament TV from 9am. However, with Deer Management being in the latter stages of the Bill, it is possible tomorrow’s session will not have the time to address the Deer amendments, with a second Day required.
The first sections of the Bill to be addressed are on biodiversity targets, Environmental Impact Assessments and National Parks.
The next section heard will be Deer management.
You can watch proceedings, here: https://www.scottishparliament.tv
