This comes after the SGA undertook a survey on Deer Management and Access which found that 63% of respondents are now reporting their work to be negatively impacted by Access conflicts; effects which are leading to increased stress in the profession.
You can view the results, here: https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2024/2026-09-10-access-problems-impacting-over-60-of-deer-managers.php
The SGA relayed the Survey findings to MSPs, so this ‘short’ inquiry is timely, although it is important that it is undertaken in a robust and thorough manner.
Last week, Rural Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin wrote in response to a Parliamentary question, tabled by Finlay Carson MSP, on whether the government would review right to roam on the back of concerns by gamekeepers, that the Government did not ‘currently’ intend to review the legislation.
Whilst stating that Scottish Government were ‘acutely aware’ that irresponsible access can make effective land management difficult for gamekeepers and others, the Minister said there was no present plans to revisit the Act.
Members please act
The Committee inquiry is, therefore, significant and the SGA is urging all members to contribute to the ‘Call for Views’ preceding the inquiry, by the deadline of November 23rd.
Whilst the SGA Survey focused specifically on deer management, there will be members in other areas of the profession with their own experience of Access so it is important that as many people respond as possible, to ensure the Committee has a good base from which to begin its inquiry.
You can respond here: https://yourviews.parliament.scot/335/outdoor-access/
