Scottish grouse moors to be licensed in attempt to protect birds of prey

MSPs vote for controls as it emerges another hen harrier has vanished in area ‘notorious’ for persecution

Grouse moors across Scotland will be required to hold licences and face being banned from shooting as part of radical measures to combat bird of prey persecution passed by MSPs on Thursday.

The Scottish parliament voted for the controls following intense pressure from conservation scientists and campaigners after decades of illegal attacks on birds of prey by gamekeepers instructed to protect grouse on shooting estates from being eaten.