Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 24 March 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason relevant offences under the Animal Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, Badgers Act 1992 and other similar legislation, are not included in the NatureScot licensing conditions relating to a whole landholding for an estate that has only licensed its grouse moor under section 16AA of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.
NatureScot drafted the new licensing condition on the basis of advice received. The new licensing condition is a solution to a specific issue. It is not intended to replicate, or substitute for the licensing provisions of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. The full range of relevant offences in the Act will still apply in the licensed area.