Question reference: S5W-35769
- Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 5 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 16 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S5W-34988 and S5W-35371 by Roseanna Cunningham on 4 and 26 February 2021 respectively, what its position is on the social and cultural heritage associated with falconry, and what steps it is taking to preserve this, particularly in areas where blue hare are present.
Answer
The Scottish Government recognises the social and cultural heritage associated with falconry. Blue (or mountain) hares are now a protected species following the passage of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act in June 2020. The protection came into force on 1 March 2021. This means that the species can no longer be taken for sporting or recreational purposes.
Birds of prey can still be used take mountain hares for other purposes where carried out under a licence granted by NatureScot, as specified in section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Any changes to the specified purposes for allowing licensed taking of mountain hares under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 would require primary legislation.