CAPERCAILLIE: A CLARIFICATION

Contrary to what is being reported in some areas of the press today, The Scottish Gamekeepers Association would like to make it clear that the idea of a trap and transfer trial for pine marten in core Capercaillie areas was mooted by the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Group for Capercaillie, of which the SGA is only a part. It was not a specific proposal from the SGA (as press release states). The SGA has legitimate concerns about shifting problems elsewhere; problems which will required to be tackled later. However, in the interests of proving that Capercaillie benefit from the removal of pine marten (or otherwise), then the SGA is willing to assist such a scientific project. This outcome would be seen by the SGA as more progressive than the present crippling inaction which is putting the Capercaillie at great risk.