BASC Scotland gamekeepers’ conference highlights issues with Natural Environment Bill

Gamekeepers' conference Scotland

More than 100 gamekeepers travelled from across Scotland to attend BASC’s annual gamekeepers’ conference at Blair Castle, Perthshire.

Held on 24 March on Blair Atholl Estate in Perthshire, the Scottish gamekeepers’ conference is a standout event in BASC’s calendar each year. 

The event’s keynote speaker was Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie. Mr Fairlie addressed an audience – which included gamekeeping students from both Elmwood and Borders colleges – on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

The prevalent issue of the day was the new Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill. BASC delivered an in-depth presentation on the bill, explaining the organisation’s opposition to mandatory training for all deer stalkers and the challenges posed by new regulatory intervention powers to reduce deer numbers for ‘nature restoration’.

A panel discussion session followed, made up of MSPs Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife), Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) and Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands), along with Councillor Claire McLaren (Perth and Kinross). The session covered pertinent political topics ranging from rewilding, reintroduction of apex species and gamekeeping courses.

Councillor McLaren also met the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust to discuss mental health and access to services for gamekeepers. 

The afternoon session of the conference saw Finlay Carson MSP try sustainable ammunition during a clay shooting session.

BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said all of the political representatives who attended the Scotland gamekeepers’ conference committed to supporting the gamekeeping community, which has been under immense pressure recently. Mr Clark said: “Gamekeepers are the backbone of managing Scotland’s landscapes and yet the sector is under pressure now more than ever, with further regulation coming down the tracks.

“The impacts of the new Natural Environment Bill and the grouse shoot licensing regime were at the top of the agenda.

“We are grateful to the minister, MSPs and gamekeepers for their attendance. We thank the minister for his address and look forward to working constructively with him and Scottish Government officials on the bill in the months to come.

“I would also like to thank all the attendees, sponsors, speakers and supporters for their fantastic contributions to the day.”

For more news from BASC Scotland or to get in touch with the team, head to our dedicated pages here.

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