Funding boost for greylag goose control in Scotland

The Scottish government has confirmed an additional £20,000 for greylag goose management in the Hebridean islands of Uist and Barra.

This increases annual funding to £30,000, to address crop damage and protect machair habitats.

The money is aimed at reducing the greylag goose population, which crofters say has caused sustained damage to traditional machair crops in recent years.

See also: Scots farmers demand action over species management costs

Scottish Crofting Federation chief executive Donna Smith said:

“We are very pleased that the minister has listened to the concerns raised and acted, given the urgency of the situation.

“A significant reduction in the greylag population on Uist and Barra remains essential. Crofters want to protect the machair and continue traditional cropping practices that sustain both livestock and biodiversity.

“Ongoing support at this level, sustained over a number of years, will be necessary if we are to achieve lasting balance and avoid returning to the same pressures in future.”

Sustained grazing pressure from geese has led to extensive crop losses and growing concern over the potential shortage of traditional seed stocks.

Repeated damage to crops has reduced the availability of native seed naturally retained from previous harvests.

If the situation continues, crofters may have to source seed from mainland suppliers to secure enough silage for winter livestock feed.

The Uist Local Goose Group also welcomed the decision. The previous £10,000 allocation has historically been used to pay marksmen to control greylag numbers.

The additional funding is intended to enable a more significant population reduction rather than simply maintaining current levels of goose numbers.