BASC Scotland raises concerns over firearms licensing
BASC Scotland strongly opposes recommendations for changes to firearms licensing in Scotland.
Gamebird release restrictions dropped in latest stage of Natural Environment Bill
Attempts to restrict or licence gamebird release in Scotland have been dropped during the latest stage of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill.
BASC welcomed the withdrawal of amendments on gamebird release after extensively briefing MSPs ahead of the debate.
The amendments, had they been moved, would have introduced impractical and unnecessary restrictions on responsible shoots and working rural estates.
With shooting and conservation worth £760 million to the Scottish economy each year, attempts to introduce restrictions on gamebird release would jeopardise the economic benefits delivered by responsible shoots across Scotland.
Furthermore, BASC’s natural capital assessments show that shooting provides Scotland with carbon capture, health and wellbeing, food, and recreational benefits. Combined, these are valued at more than £246 million annually.
BASC will remain vigilant against any further attempts to reintroduce these amendments and will work constructively with government, MSPs and partner organisations as the Bill moves toward implementation, ensuring that members’ voices are heard in Parliament.
Common sense prevails
During this latest Stage 2 debate, MSPs also debated venison strategies and issues with muirburn licensing, with the organisation saying that the Bill is far from workable for its members, particularly on deer management.
BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said: “BASC expressed serious concerns that proposed amendments to restrict gamebird release would have a deeply damaging impact on the rural economy, conservation efforts and land management – areas already effectively governed by existing legislation.
“Any attempt to undermine the work of BASC members and those managing shoots could have disastrous effects for rural Scotland.
“Today we saw these damaging amendments withdrawn, following BASC’s briefings to MSPs on the negative impact they would have had on the biodiversity and habitat benefits delivered by responsible shooting and conservation. For now, common sense has prevailed, but we remain vigilant against any further attempts to reintroduce these amendments as the Bill nears its final stages.
“Furthermore, the Natural Environment Bill, as it stands, remains unworkable for our members, particularly around mandatory training and the new nature restoration powers due to affect deer management. BASC will continue to fight for our members and ensure their concerns are heard as the Bill progresses.”
Read more news from BASC Scotland on our dedicated pages here.
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