A SHOOTING group is demanding clarity from the Scottish Government on when the grouse moor licencing scheme will come into force.
In March, the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill was passed by MSPs by 85 votes to 30.
It promised to introduce a licencing scheme for shooting grouse as well as ban the use of snares and more tightly regulate the controlled burning of heather and other plants on moors known as muirburn.
The legislation was introduced in part to try and end the illegal persecution of birds of prey on grouse moors, which has blighted the sector's reputation for decades.
READ MORE: Lynx reintroduction exhibition to tour towns in southern Scotland
However, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) have written to Minister for Agriculture Jim Fairlie to ask whether the licencing scheme will be in force before the commencement of the grouse shooting season on August 12.
They are seeking a confirmed date for when the scheme will be fully operational.
BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said businesses were concerned that the online system for licence applications was not yet in place.
“Our members are concerned that with the Scottish Government seeking to introduce grouse shoot licensing before the 12th August, that time is running out,” he said.
“All businesses need time to adapt to major changes, and grouse shooting is no exception.
The grouse shooting season is set to begin on August 12
“The grouse shooting sector in Scotland must not be placed in such a situation so close to its most important date, given the risk to jobs, livelihoods and the rural economy.
“We have written to the Minister seeking assurance that our sector will not be left in an uncertain situation”.
Fairlie is due to speak at the Scottish Land & Estates moorland conference next week (June 11).
In the wake of the bill's passing, he said there would be "no victory parade" from ministers but added that the law was a necessary step to stop the illegal killing of raptors.
“There are those who disagree with the principles of this bill," he said.
“But had the grouse shooting community shut down raptor persecution, had stopped killing our most iconic birds of prey, we would not have had to legislate in this way.
“But, sadly, they didn’t shut it down, so now it’s up to us to make sure that they do."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill is a significant step in our wider journey to ensure Scotland’s environment is managed sustainably.
“Work continues at pace to ensure that the Bill delivers for both the environment and our rural communities."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here