Activists Protest Guga Hunt at NatureScot Headquarters
Two activists climbed onto the roof of NatureScot's headquarters in Inverness early in the morning to call for an end to the centuries-old guga hunt in the Western Isles. The men, dressed as gannets, scaled the building located in the Leachkin area at approximately 04:00, where they displayed a banner urging the public body to revoke the licence permitting the hunt.
The annual guga hunt, which dates back to the 15th century, involves the killing of young gannets on Sula Sgeir, a small uninhabited island situated about 40 miles (64km) north of Lewis.
Safety Measures and Emergency Response
In response to the protest, NatureScot closed its offices for the day to ensure staff safety. Police, fire, and ambulance personnel were all present at the scene.
Details of the Guga Hunt
Each year, a group of men from Ness in Lewis travel to Sula Sgeir for a two-week period during which approximately 500 young gannets are killed for their meat. The hunt is a longstanding tradition in the region.
Activist Group's Position
The group behind the protest, Abolish the Guga Hunt, stated its belief that there is no justification for the continuation of the hunt, describing it as
"morally wrong".
NatureScot's Legal and Conservation Stance
NatureScot clarified that the hunt is recognised under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and that a licence is granted specifically for the purpose of providing food. After reviewing survey data, the agency has reduced the number of birds permitted to be taken from 2,000 to 500, with the stipulation that all birds must be killed humanely.
A spokesperson for NatureScot said these measures are intended to ensure the gannet population on Sula Sgeir remains
"stable for the future".
