Scottish seabird hunt cancelled for first time in 400 years
NatureScot has denied a license for the annual guga hunt on the island of Sula Sgeir, marking the first cancellation of the 400-year-old tradition. The decision follows new scientific modeling suggesting the hunt poses an adverse impact on local gannet populations.
Why it matters
The cancellation highlights the ongoing tension between preserving ancient cultural traditions and modern environmental conservation efforts.
During the guga hunt, up to 2,000 gannet chicks are killed over 10 days on the uninhabited Hebridean island of Sula Sgeir, 40 miles north of Lewis and Harris. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA During the guga hunt, up to 2,000 gannet chicks are killed over 10 days on the uninhabited Hebridean island of Sula Sgeir, 40 miles north of Lewis and Harris. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA Birds Scottish seabird hunt cancelled for first time in 400 years NatureScot refuses licence for hunt on Hebridean island of Sula Sgeir in which up to 2,000 gannet chicks are killed
Prefer the Guardian on Google A controversial Scottish seabird hunt will not go ahead for the first time in 400 years, in what campaigners have called a “victory for common sense”.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in