There have been feral goats on the island of Rum since the 16th Century. From the year 2000 a number of them have been monitored to assist in studies of climate change. Apparently last week an order was given, through Scottish Natural Heritage, to kill 30 or so of these animals not as part of these investigations, but as needless slaughter. The carcasses were not recorded, nor examined, nor added to the larder. It was a waste of time ... and life. This subject is reported to be covered in tomorrow's edition of the Sunday Times Scotland.
Scottish Islands Explorer - covers causes for concern
The Island of Rum is designated a National Nature Reserve and belongs to Scottish Natural Heritage who advise the Scottish Government on environmental issues. If SNH ordered their staff to shoot to waste most of this iconic and ancient herd of wild goats and throw their carcasses over the sea cliffs, a full and open investigation must be undertaken as soon as possible and at the highest level.
ReplyDeleteConcerned local
Visitors go to Rum for its famous red sandstone castle, its spectacular scenery, its highland ponies, its many wild red deer (Simon King's "Autumn Watch") and its wild goats. It is shocking if they have been killed.
ReplyDeleteRegular visitor
It's a paradox to link the words 'Scottish Natural Heritage' with a phrase such as 'indiscriminate killing' - but carnage of this scale on a small island appears to deserve the connection. Let's hope the Sunday Times reveals more.
ReplyDeleteAn observer