Highland estate has licences restricted

NatureScot has restricted the use of general licences at Lochindorb Estate, Highland, for three years, following evidence of wildlife crime against birds.

Said evidence included a Red Kite found poisoned with an insecticide in 2021 on land managed at the time by the estate, and another kite shot on the estate in 2023.

Donald Fraser, NatureScot's Head of Wildlife Management, said: "We have decided, in discussion with Police Scotland, to suspend the use of general licences on this property for three years until March 2027, given the persecution of Red Kites which has taken place on Lochindorb Estate and on neighbouring land managed by them at the time of the incident."

NatureScot has restricted the use of general licences at Lochindorb Estate for three years (Ron Marshall).

Tackling wildlife crime

Mr Fraser added: "NatureScot is committed to using all the tools we have available to tackle wildlife crime. This measure will help to protect wild birds in the area, while still allowing necessary land-management activities to take place.

"We believe this is a proportionate response to protect wild birds in the area and prevent further wildlife crime. We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and consider information they provide on cases which may warrant restricting general licences.

"The estate may still apply for individual licences; however, these will be subject to enhanced record-keeping and reporting requirements and will be closely monitored to ensure adherence with licence conditions."

In addition to this restriction, there are currently four other restrictions in place in Scotland. They are at Moy Estate in Highland, Invercauld Estate in the Cairngorms National Park, Lochan Estate in Perthshire and Millden Estate in Angus.