BASC Scotland

BASC has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to amend its approach to sporting rates relief, describing it as a step towards addressing concerns raised by the rural sector, but warning it falls short of reinstating full relief. Read more ⬇️ basc.org.uk/sporting-rates…

Following a third consecutive day of thaw conditions, a call for voluntary restraint in the shooting of waterfowl in Scotland has been lifted. Read more 👉 basc.org.uk/call-for-volun…

Due to the widespread severe weather, BASC is calling for people who shoot in Scotland to exercise restraint, wherever it is needed, in the shooting of ducks, geese and waders, including reared mallard. Read more 👉

BASC has called on MSPs to back crucial amendments to the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill at Stage 2, warning that the legislation in its current form risks undermining deer management, rural employment, and conservation delivery across Scotland. 👉 basc.org.uk/do-the-right-t…

🔥Minister @JimFairlieLogie MSP thanks land managers & gamekeepers during Wildfire Summit statement to the Scottish Parliament today. He acknowledged the impact of controlled burning for its ‘vital role in creating firebreaks and reducing fuel loads’.

📢Our thanks to @SueJWebber for highlighting the issues BASC and @NFUStweets members have with the Scottish Government proposal to impose mandatory training on lowland deer stalkers though the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament.

📑The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has published its report on the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill. BASC says the Bill risks undermining self-regulation in deer management. @JimFairlieLogie basc.org.uk/basc-responds-…

🎙️ Happy International Podcast Day! 🎧 Did you know we have our very own BASC Podcast? Presented by Tom Evans, recent episodes have discussed night shooting, wildfowling and gundog competitions. The back catalogue is extremely useful on a long journey! basc.org.uk/podcast/

After an unprecedented number of wildfires, our thanks go to @emmaroddicksnp for calling for collaboration across the Scottish Parliament to develop a plan to mitigate the threat of wildfires, discourage irresponsible behaviour and build resilience in our rural communities.

It’s the #GloriousTwelfth, the start of the grouse shooting season and a day to celebrate the hard work of gamekeepers and estate workers. RT to show your support. @BASCScotland

📰The Scotsman and The Daily Telegraph have both run stories this week on our launch at the Scottish Game Fair of the Natural Capital Report highlighting the wider benefits of the shooting sector. telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/… scotsman.com/business/scott…

Mandatory training will shut out stalkers when Scotland needs them most! BASC warns that proposals in the Natural Environment Bill risk undermining deer management in Scotland with unclear targets, new barriers, and a lack of financial support. orlo.uk/mqpJg

Thank you all for sharing your views on deer management - Part 4 of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill. @BASCnews @ScotLandEstates @JohnMuirTrust @treesforlifeuk @cairngormsnews @ScotLINK @ScotVenison @ADMGScotland @ForestryLS Catching up?👉ow.ly/qGR550VKEX5

📣 Why the Natural Environment Bill must be fixed The Bill proposes substantial changes to deer management, including increased regulatory intervention with little detail on financial incentives for deer managers. Read more here for BASC's views: orlo.uk/wphZu

Agriculture Minister @JimFairlieLogie's been hearing how @ScotGov's proposed deer management legislation will affect landowners. The Natural Environment Bill which was published last week includes increased powers to tackle high deer numbers. ➡ gov.scot/news/restoring…

📣 BASC attends Scottish Labour conference It was great to catch up with @RhodaGrant, Scottish Labour's rural affairs spokesperson. We discussed the impact of the new Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill on deer management, mandatory training, grouse shoot licensing & venison

📣 New Natural Environment Bill places “unacceptable burden” on Scotland’s deer managers While the Government claims the Bill will modernise deer management to tackle the climate emergency, BASC has branded the proposals “draconian”. Read more here: gov.scot/news/restoring….

BASC Scotland director Peter Clark's comments regarding the scrapping of proposals to change the female deer season in Scotland were carried in multiple media outlets. 🦌 orlo.uk/BBCNews_Uxw0g 🦌 orlo.uk/TheScotsman_yC… 🦌 orlo.uk/STVNews_UpnIM 🦌 orlo.uk/StrathspeyBade…

👏 Thank you @kirkcaldyhigh for sharing these photos of their recent BASC visit to discuss game meat. It was great for us to highlight the importance of the field to fork message and have young people involved. #eatgame #fieldtofork

The voluntary restraint on the shooting of wildfowl and waders in Scotland can be officially lifted. Those who shoot are asked to continue to exercise restraint for as long as necessary in any areas where waterfowl appear to need more time to recover. orlo.uk/apirG