Licence restrictions for two estates after bird crimes

NatureScot suspended the use of general licences on two areas of land on 7 August. The restrictions run for three years, until August 2029. The first covers Cochrage Muir at Milton of Drimmie Estate in Perthshire, and follows the conviction of a former gamekeeper at Perth Sheriff Court in March for killing a goshawk.

The second applies to the Dalbrack Farm area of Invermark Estate in Angus, where Police Scotland supplied evidence about a peregrine that had been shot. General licences let landowners control common birds such as crows and magpies without applying for permission each time. Losing that does not stop land management on these estates, but it does mean individual applications, strict record keeping and closer monitoring.

Chris Dailly, NatureScot's Head of Licensing, said the decision was taken in discussion with Police Scotland and called it a proportionate response. Three other restrictions are already in force in Scotland, at Lochindorb Estate in the Highlands and at Raeshaw Estate and Watherston Wood in the Borders.