Scottish country sports tourism businesses denied coronavirus funding for a second time
BASC has hit out at the Scottish Government for excluding country sports tourism businesses from coronavirus financial support for a second time.
Scottish Conservative Conference: ‘become true allies of rural Scotland’, says BASC
BASC urged MSPs to show a strong political voice for rural Scotland at last week’s Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party Conference.
Speaking at the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party Conference, held from 13-14 June, BASC delivered an appeal to protect and promote the values, livelihoods and environmental contributions of rural Scotland.
At an event hosted by Tim Eagle MSP (pictured top), BASC Scotland director Peter Clark and Country Sport Scotland project manager Kirk Norbury expressed the positive impact of country sports. Highlighting their role in supporting jobs and boosting local economies, they also spoke of country sports driving nature conservation efforts across Scotland.
The crucial role shooting, deer stalking and sustainable land management play in safeguarding biodiversity and sustaining remote communities was also discussed at the conference.
“Rural Scotland is not just scenery – it’s work, it’s identity, it’s culture and it’s under pressure like never before,” Mr Clark said, urging all parties to vow to reduce red tape and increase funding for the shooting and conservation sector.
He went on to raise concerns over increasing government regulation, particularly mandatory training requirements for deer stalkers, warning it risks alienating experienced professionals and jeopardising future land stewardship.
Country Sport Scotland project manager Kirk Norbury spoke of the importance of strong rural voices championing a thriving rural economy with country sport tourism, shooting and conservation at its heart.
As Holyrood elections approach, BASC urged all political leaders to become true allies of rural Scotland, and in doing so, becoming:
- One that listens to gamekeepers as much as it listens to campaigners
- One that values conservation through management – not neglect through rewilding
- One that understands shooting and deer management are vital to Scotland’s future.
BASC reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with MSPs at the conference, while pushing back against increasing regulation on rural livelihoods.
Want to read more news from BASC Scotland? Head to our dedicated pages here.
Share
Challenges for shooting in animal welfare shake-up
Read Conor O’Gorman’s blog following the inclusion of plans for new animal welfare legislation in the Queen’s speech in parliament yesterday.
Call to action issued following Minister’s anti-shooting comments
The current direction of travel is wholly damaging to the Welsh countryside and rural Wales.
