Whether Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has received representations from the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) recommending that addi…

I understand that SNH has received a letter from the SGA seeking grant aid for foot-packs on a twice-yearly basis in areas where capercaillie are resident. SNH is taking action to enhance the capercaillie population through the Biodiversity Species Action Plan Steering Group, and by the development of the EU LIFE Nature project and large scale management trial. These include appropriate predator control in capercaillie areas, initially focused on Special Protection Areas, along with important management measures such as fence removal and habitat management. SNH has no plans to fund foot-packs specifically for the purpose of predator control in capercaillie areas, though use of dogs in fox control has not been ruled out in areas where this method is considered appropriate.