Latest news with #BritishAssociationforShootingandConservation
STV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Glorious Twelfth: Grouse shooting season gets under way
The start of the red grouse-shooting season gets under way on Tuesday. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) marked the Glorious Twelfth by warning that new muirburn licensing rules could 'jeopardise' effective moorland management. From the start of next year, a licence will be required for all muirburn activities in Scotland following the passing of the Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. The BASC has said that muirburn – the controlled burning of heather – actively enhances biodiversity, promotes fresh plant growth, supports species such as deer and grouse, and reduces wildfire risk by managing dry, combustible vegetation. But it says the new system is overly-complex and could unintentionally hinder controlled burning. 'This, in turn, risks increasing fuel loads across moorlands and raising the threat of wildfires across Scotland's moorlands,' it said. However, the Scottish Greens said there is 'nothing glorious about the mass killing of animals for entertainment' as it called on the Scottish Government to ensure all regulations are followed and that 'any new loopholes' are identified and closed. It said the new rules for the 'cruel' sport were a step forward, but suggested hunters could find a way to evade them. BASC is marking the start of Scotland's red grouse season by highlighting the sport's economic, social, and environmental contributions – and warning that new muirburn licensing rules could threaten effective moorland management. Find out more ⬇️ — BASC (@BASCnews) August 11, 2025 The BASC said shooting sustains thousands of jobs across rural Scotland and contributes £340m in GVA to the Scottish economy – including gamekeeping, hospitality, sporting tourism, and local services. It said its latest figures showed the recreational value to those involved in grouse shooting was £9.2m, while the value to the public of managed landscapes is £1.2m. Ahead of the 12th, the BASC is urging the Scottish Government to make changes to the 2024 Act to ensure that muirburn licensing does not hinder effective moorland management. BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said: 'The start of the grouse season in Scotland is the culmination of months and years of hard work by gamekeepers and land managers. 'The figures speak for themselves; this is an integral part of the Scottish rural economy. 'Moorland management is an enormous part of protecting and enhancing Scotland's uplands, delivering both economic and environmental benefits. 'Yet the new muirburn licensing regime, in its current form, hinders moorland managers in their efforts to reduce wildfire risk and provide habitats for grouse. 'We have urged the Scottish Government not to risk these benefits with an overly complicated and unworkable muirburn licensing scheme.' PA Media Ariane Burgess condemned grouse shooting (Fraser Bremner/Scottish Daily Mail/PA) Scottish Greens Communities spokesperson Ariane Burgess said: 'There is nothing glorious about the mass killing of animals for entertainment, but that is what was allowed to take place across our communities for far too long. 'The new protections have been a big step forward in curbing the cruel sport, but there are real concerns about loopholes in the licensing. 'We need to ensure that the system is as robust as possible. That means identifying any gaps in the legislation and ensuring that they are closed as soon as possible and that we do not undermine the intention of the Act that was passed. 'At heart this is a question about what kind of country we want to be. 'The Scottish Greens will always stand against bloodsports and the ritualistic killing of animals that goes with it. It has no place in a modern or compassionate Scotland.' Burgess said there was a 'big opportunity' to invest in greener jobs that boost nature as she described those who worked in shooting estates as 'extremely skilled'. She added: 'What we need is for them to be supported to take those skills and use them to work with nature in support of regeneration and restoration of our much degraded biodiversity.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
5 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Grouse shooting's contribution celebrated, but muirburn licensing risks benefits
Scotland's largest shooting and conservation organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is marking the start of the red grouse season by celebrating the enormous economic, social, and environmental contributions that grouse shooting makes to Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Shooting sustains thousands of jobs across rural Scotland and contributes £340million (GVA) to the Scottish economy, spanning gamekeeping, hospitality, sporting tourism, and local services. Beyond the economic input, the Glorious Twelfth unites communities, embodies heritage, and sustains the network of land managers, gamekeepers, and volunteers who safeguard our uplands. Their expertise is central to the responsible stewardship of these landscapes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Latest figures from BASC's Natural Capital report show that the recreational value to those involved in grouse shooting is £9.2 million, whilst the value to the public of these managed landscapes, through footpath usage for example, is £1.2 million. BASC Scotland director Peter Clark However, the organisation has also warned that the new muirburn licensing could jeopardise effective moorland management, if poorly implemented. Muirburn (controlled burning of heather) actively enhances biodiversity, promotes fresh plant growth, supports species such as deer and grouse, and reduces wildfire risk by managing dry, combustible vegetation. Under the Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, a licence will soon be required for all muirburn activities in Scotland. This comes into effect on 1 January 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad BASC was instrumental in forcing the Scottish Government to postpone its proposed September implementation date over issues with the draft Code of Practice. BASC remains concerned that overly complex requirements, such as ambiguous peatland depth rules, confusing guidance between legal obligations and best practice, and restrictive slope limitations, could unintentionally hinder controlled burning. This, in turn, risks increasing fuel loads across moorlands and raising the threat of wildfires across Scotland's moorlands. Ahead of the 12th, BASC is urging the Scottish Government to make changes to the 2024 Act to ensure that muirburn licensing does not hinder effective moorland management. BASC Scotland director, Peter Clark, said: 'The start of the grouse season in Scotland is the culmination of months and years of hard work by gamekeepers and land managers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The figures speak for themselves; this is an integral part of the Scottish rural economy. 'Moorland management is an enormous part of protecting and enhancing Scotland's uplands, delivering both economic and environmental benefits. 'Yet the new muirburn licensing regime, in its current form, hinders moorland managers in their efforts to reduce wildfire risk and provide habitats for grouse.
Scotsman
14-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scottish shooting generates more than £246 million, reports shows
Scotland's shooting sector delivers more than £246 million in annual natural capital benefits, according to a new report launched by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) at the Scottish Game Fair earlier this month. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Natural Capital Benefits of Shooting report assesses the environmental and public goods generated through land management associated with shooting activities. From carbon storage and habitat creation to biodiversity improvements and public access, the findings highlight the sector's vital role in supporting Scotland's natural environment. Speaking at the launch reception, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie MSP praised the shooting community's contribution to Scotland's natural capital. He acknowledged the importance of the sector's work in helping to deliver environmental outcomes aligned with the country's sustainability goals. Scotland-specific highlights include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad BASC Scotland director Peter Clark with Jim Fairlie MSP Carbon sequestration: £120.5 million through woodland, peatland and habitat management Public health benefits: £4.6 million via improved mental and physical wellbeing and air quality Recreational value: £92.4 million from participation in shooting and countryside access Food, farming and forestry: £29.3 million through game meat, woodland productivity and crop protection Jim Fairlie MSP told attendees: 'When it comes to natural capital, and investment in restoring and protecting Scotland's natural environment, it is essential that we are able to tackle the nature and climate emergencies at pace and the scale required. If we don't do that then we're going to fall behind. 'The Scottish Government is investing significantly in nature-based solutions and that includes £250 million for a 10-year peatland restoration programme, major funding for woodland creation and strong support through the Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board (ARIOB) to help us meet our farming and our climate ambitions.' He also underscored the importance of responsible private investment: 'That investment must support nature, climate action and our communities. That's why we've developed the Scottish Natural Capital Market Framework; it sets out clear principles for responsible investment. It ensures investment is high integrity, guards against greenwashing and recognises the intrinsic value of our natural assets.' On BASC's findings, the Minister added: 'This is an important piece of work that shows that shooting contributes more than £246 million in natural capital benefits to the people of Scotland every year.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said: 'The report highlights the measurable environmental returns delivered by shooting-related land management. From carbon capture to healthy rural communities, this is proof that our members are part of the solution to Scotland's nature and climate goals.
Scotsman
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
BASC calls for delay to Muirburn Licensing Scheme amid concerns over code
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), Scotland's largest shooting and conservation organisation, is calling on the Scottish Government to pause the implementation of the proposed muirburn licensing scheme until the 2026/27 season. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The association warns that pushing ahead with the scheme in its current state risks creating confusion, eroding trust, and undermining efforts to manage Scotland's uplands effectively. The Government intends to enforce the licensing regime from 15 September 2025, coinciding with the start of the 2025/26 muirburn season. Yet, with the Muirburn Code still under active consultation by NatureScot, BASC argues that further clarity is required. Members and practitioners across the country are voicing deep concern over the practicality and workability of the proposals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Compounding these issues is the recent surge in wildfires across Scotland, highlighting the vital importance of controlled burning as a land management tool. Introducing licensing at this point - without clarity, consensus, or readiness - would be reckless. BASC Scotland director Peter Clark. BASC has been engaging robustly in the consultation process to ensure that its members' voices are not only heard but heeded. Among the most pressing issues are ambiguous guidance on peatland depth measurement, the unclear distinction between legal obligations and best practice, and overly prescriptive restrictions on burning on slopes. These gaps must be addressed before any licensing regime can be credibly implemented. The association also points to the chaotic rollout of the grouse shoot licensing scheme in 2024 as a stark warning. Despite clear advice from BASC to delay the scheme, it was rushed in before the 12th August start date - resulting in some confusion, particularly around the land that was covered by grouse shoot licences. Concerns are not confined to the shooting community. Other rural organisations, including the National Farmers' Union of Scotland, have echoed BASC's alarm, warning of the wide-ranging implications for landowners, farmers, and land managers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
