Edward Mountain: “Wildlife bill does not support the countryside”

Edward Mountain, MSP for Highlands and Islands, closed the debate on the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill today.

 It is suggested that the Bill is being introduced to address raptor persecution and ensure that the management of grouse moors are undertaken in an environmentally sustainable and welfare conscious manner.

 However, Edward Mountain criticised the Bill as being created by those who have little understand of countryside life.

 He criticised the bill for dismissing the actual concerns facing those living in the countryside and stated that it is crucial that they are heard and taken into account in matters that directly impact their way of life.

Edward Mountain said to the Parliament:

 “Those people in the countryside feel ignored and marginalized. Let me be clear, managing wildlife is gruelling hard work and requires balance.”

 “I stand here somewhat disappointed in the arguments heard in the evidence session, that have often been ill informed and based on arguments put forward by single issue pressure groups who do not promote balance”

 Since, Edward Mountain has commented:

 “Having spent 40 years managing the countryside, we need balance, and this bill doesn’t offer that. The Bill needs to go back to the drawing board.”