By Democrat reporter
There are wild goats in the Scottish Borders and MSP Rachael Hamilton has called on the Scottish Parliament to protect them before any more of them are culled.
Ms Hamilton asked
the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with local people who are anxious about the goats’ survival.
the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with local people who are anxious about the goats’ survival.The SNP Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie, told her: “We have not had any engagement with local stakeholders on that issue.
“It is for Oxygen Conservation Ltd, as the landowner, to consider how any reduction in the wild goat population should be achieved in practice.
“It has produced a question and answer document that has been circulated to all local residents, and it has published updates in a quarterly newsletter on its website.
“NatureScot has also provided several members of the community, the Wild Goat Conservation Group, local political representatives, councillors, MSPs and the MP with advice and information on the legal status of feral goats.”
Rachael Hamilton said wild goats have roamed Langholm moor for centuries, and more than 12,000 local residents have signed a petition calling for their protection.Ms Hamilton, left, added: “They are not just part of the landscape; they are a living link to Scotland’s past.
“However, the Scottish Government’s refusal to grant them protected status has enabled a cull that aimed to reduce a herd of 138 to just 20 during the birthing season.
“Will the minister commit to meeting me and the Wild Goat Conservation Group and working with us to find a workable solution to safeguard this unique part of the natural and cultural heritage of the Scottish Borders?”
Jim Fairlie told her: “I understand the sentiment with which Rachael Hamilton has asked the question. As I said, however, this is an issue for Oxygen Conservation Ltd.
“It is its land and it is for it to decide what it will do in order to achieve the restoration targets that it has set out.”
The Loch Lomond National Park also has wild goats which have been spotted on the east side of the loch near to Rob Roy’s prison.
Top picture: Rob Roy’s Prison on the eastern side of Loch Lomond where wild goats are to be spotted from time to time.