Rachael Hamilton MSP met with representatives of the Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association to discuss important rural issues.
The virtual meeting was attended by Alex Hogg, who recently received his Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, for his services to the association.
The Borders MSP discussed deer management on publicly owned land, the importance of provision of high quality game food to Net Zero and the Good Food Nation Bill.
There were also calls to revise the Outdoor Access Code, a point echoed by farmers and landowners. Mrs Hamilton believes the current legislation on livestock worrying is not tackling an issue which is causing damage to livelihoods in rural areas.
Mrs Hamilton will raise the issue of moorland loss and peatland restoration during a session of First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, and wants to hold the Scottish Government to account over missed targets and biodiversity loss.
She wants to ensure that Scotland’s main natural asset does not suffer further losses and believes rural workers to be at the heart of fighting climate change through their work as gamekeepers and land managers.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“It was great to meet with Alex Hogg MBE, Helen Ferguson and Kenneth Stephen of the Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association.
“The SNP Government has neglected rural workers for years, and we discussed on the call how much potential there is in our wonderful Borders countryside.
“From local venison to moorland management, our Borders landscape has so much to offer, but also and crucially, can play a large part in tackling climate change.
“On Thursday, I will be holding the First Minister to account over her failed peatland restoration targets, and I will argue that gamekeepers and rural workers should be given more support to restore these major natural assets.
“I have also called for a gamekeepers’ taskforce, which will look into the vile abuse people receive and help support rural workers with mental health support and protections.
“That will help build on recent research into the importance of gamekeeping and help to highlight the economic benefits it brings to our rural communities. Individuals like Alex Hogg would be perfect to be part of this taskforce.”
