Home / Environment / Ancient Seabird Hunt Faces Modern Opposition
Ancient Seabird Hunt Faces Modern Opposition
2 Jul
Summary
- Application made for traditional gannet hunt on Sula Sgeir island.
- NatureScot to decide on licence for 15th Century guga hunt.
- Over 104,000 signatures oppose the practice in Scotland.
Permission is being sought for the traditional hunt of young seabirds to proceed on Sula Sgeir, a remote Hebridean island, later this summer. This centuries-old practice, known as the guga hunt, involves the killing of gannets for their meat and dates back to the 15th Century. The hunt typically takes place in August.
NatureScot, a public body, is responsible for issuing licences for such hunts and is currently assessing the latest application. The organization's board will be informed of the ongoing process and will ultimately decide whether to grant the licence. This traditional hunt is recognized under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Last year, NatureScot granted a licence for up to 500 birds to be killed, following a three-year hiatus due to bird flu. The permitted number was reduced from 2,000 to aid population recovery. A total of 485 birds were harvested in the 2025 hunt.
Opposition to the hunt is significant, with over 104,000 people signing a petition urging the Scottish government to prohibit the practice. Holyrood's petitions committee is considering whether this matter warrants a debate by MSPs.
