Mike Mackenzie, MSP for the Highlands and Islands has welcomed plans by Holyrood’s rural affairs committee to take evidence on reports that geese numbers are out of control on many islands and across lowland farming lands following a petition to Holyrood from the Scottish Crofting Federation

Mike, who recently heard from locals in Orkney about their experiences of the growing geese numbers, welcomed the news that the Parliament’s rural affairs committee will take evidence from affected farmers and crofters, international experts and from the environment minister. This follows a petition to Holyrood from the Scottish Crofting Federation to the Public Petitions committee.  He said:

“The geese are such a big problem to farmers and crofters because they actually rip crops out at the root, which is hugely damaging.  Scaring the birds just displaces the problem to another field or farm, so scaring is no solution at all.”

“That Orkney and the Uists now have licences to sell the meat of geese shot on their islands is a big step forwards. This has not only helped to reduce the numbers of geese but boosted the economy by allowing the sale of goose meat.”

“When I last visited Orkney I had a goose burger for breakfast, which was delicious.  There could be a great potential market for good quality goose meat in Scotland, it tastes great, is local and sustainable.”