Game shooting on Scottish estates ‘saves NHS millions'
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has found that Scotland's shooting sector delivers more than £246 million in benefits to the Scottish economy.
That includes a saving of £4.6 million in public health for the NHS and local authorities in improved mental and physical wellbeing and air quality, the organisation believes.
Peter Clark, BASC Scotland director, said shooting-related land management delivers 'measurable environmental returns' by helping ensure 'healthy rural communities'.
Mr Clark added: 'The report reinforces the shooting community 's essential role in habitat conservation, environmental protection and the responsible care and management of Scotland's natural environment, directly complementing the Scottish Government's climate and nature restoration priorities.'
The report considers the environmental and public goods generated through land management for shooting at Scotland's popular hunting estates.
Its findings show woodland and peatland management generates £120.5 million in carbon sequestration; £92.4 million in recreational access to the countryside; and £29.3 million through game meat and crop protection.
Jim Fairlie, Scotland's minister for agriculture and connectivity, attended the launch of the report.
He said: 'This is an important piece of work that shows that shooting contributes more than £246 million in natural capital benefits to the people of Scotland every year.'
The MSP also told attendees: 'When it comes to natural capital, and investment in restoring and protecting Scotland's natural environment, it is essential that we are able to tackle the nature and climate emergencies at pace and the scale required. If we don't do that, then we're going to fall behind.'
Mr Fairlie also highlighted the importance of responsible private investment.
He said: 'That investment must support nature, climate action and our communities. That's why we've developed the Scottish Natural Capital Market Framework; it sets out clear principles for responsible investment.
'It ensures investment is high integrity, guards against greenwashing and recognises the intrinsic value of our natural assets.'
However, the Nationalist administration has come under fire from its former coalition partners the Scottish Greens.
Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens finance spokesman, said: 'The barbaric murder of helpless animals by the ultra-rich isn't something the Scottish Government should be celebrating. It's cruel, outdated and should be banned.
'Shooting estates take up an unbelievable amount of Scotland's rural land. They are mostly owned by a motley collection of aristocrats, billionaires, tax avoiders and Tory MSPs.
'Regardless of the slick propaganda their lobbyists produce, the real evidence shows that these estates are devastating for the environment and for Scotland's iconic native species, like mountain hares and birds of prey.'
Mr Greer went on to say that rural estates 'take advantage' of tax breaks designed for small businesses, taking money from the public purse.
He added: 'The public are being forced to subsidise the ultra-wealthy's desire to kill animals for fun, all while SNP ministers sadly cheer them on.
'Small-scale farmers and crofters play an invaluable role in our country's food production and in their local communities, we must ensure that they are properly supported to create sustainable businesses and jobs, but taxpayer funding is instead going to these super-rich playgrounds.
'Vital Scotland's land delivers'
Scottish Labour said the work highlighted in the BASC report was to be 'welcomed'.
Rhoda Grant, the party's rural affairs spokesman, said: 'It is vital that Scotland's land is used in a way that delivers for our country.
'Game sports have long played a role in rural Scotland, and the work being done to improve biodiversity and help meet our climate goals is to be welcomed.
'It is important that all shooting is appropriately licensed and managed in a sustainable way that delivers real benefits to rural communities and the country as a whole.'
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