Rachael Hamilton MSP attended the British Association of Shooting and Conservation’s (BASC) Gamekeepers’ Day, to show her support for rural workers.
The event took place at Blair Castle in Perthshire and saw gamekeepers from all over Scotland participate in a day of speeches, talks and clay pigeon shooting.
The Borders MSP joined Conservative colleague Murdo Fraser MSP and SNP MSP Jim Fairlie for a lively panel debate on key countryside issues.
At the top of the agenda was grouse moor licensing, the Hunting with Dogs Bill, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the welfare of rural workers.
Both her and Mr Fraser called for less interference in the running of the countryside from the Scottish Government.
She also met with students from Borders College, who are currently undertaking their gamekeepers’ course.
Mrs Hamilton wants greater protection for rural workers and has called on the Scottish Government to urgently implement a gamekeepers’ taskforce to tackle the issues around stigma and intimidation.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“I want to thank BASC for organising a fantastic day at Blair Castle.
“Without a doubt, more must be done by the SNP Government to support the countryside and our rural workers.
“For too long the SNP have sat on the SRUC report which highlights the widespread abuse and intimidation of gamekeepers, yet have done nothing about it.
“Following the Rural Workers’ Protest last year, I continued to push them to deliver this crucial taskforce, but my calls fall on deaf ears.
“It is symptomatic of a Central Belt obsessed SNP Government, that since forming a coalition with the Greens, has turned its back on rural areas, communities and livelihoods”.
