The publication of the Scottish Government’s roadmap through and out of the Covid-19 crisis is ‘a welcome step’, according to the UK’s largest shooting organisation.
The document’s publication preceded a statement by Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, in which she described the four phase route out of lockdown. The phased approach makes specific reference to outdoor activities, travelling and running a business among other considerations.
Phase one of the road map is due to commence on the 28th May, at which point ‘non-contact outdoor activities in the local area’ will be permitted. This means that recreational deer stalking, pigeon shooting and angling will be able to take place provided they take place locally – defined as ‘broadly within five miles’ – and in a solitary manner. In phase three, individuals will be able to travel outside of their local area.
Essential shooting activity for the protection of livestock and foodstuffs will be able to take place as it has done over the course of lockdown. BASC are continuing to advise members undertaking such essential activity to ensure they have written permission from the landowner or tenant and a request for assistance to deal with serious damage.
BASC Scotland Director, Dr Colin Shedden, said: “The publication of the Scottish Government’s roadmap today is a welcome step which will shortly allow members to resume some recreational outdoor activities, such as deer stalking, pigeon shooting and angling. This will be subject to activities taking place on one’s own and in the participant’s local area.
“We advise members to follow advice from the Scottish Government in full, and only resume these activities when the country officially progresses to phase one. It is expected that this will take place on the 28th May, but this will depend on the virus’ reproductive rate.
“Yesterday we discussed appropriate precautions for all country sports, including game shooting, with the Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP. BASC will continue to work with the Scottish Government to help them produce guidance that will ensure that all country sports will be able to take place safely in time.”
The Scottish Government’s roadmap can be found here.
