Since it was announced over the summer that the guga hunt would go ahead this year for the first time since 2021, we have been working hard to put wheels in motion towards ending this inhumane and outdated practice.  

What are we doing to stop the hunt? 

Immediately after the announcement that the licence was granted, we wrote to both NatureScot and the Scottish Government highlighting the ethical and welfare concerns and asking that they reconsider. We also raised awareness in the media, with our comments appearing in more than 35 outlets.  

Following our letters we met with senior NatureScot officials. It is clear from our conversation with them that they are unlikely to refuse a licence unless the law is changed.  

We attempted to get an MSP to lodge an amendment to the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, to remove the relevant clause in the WCA. Unfortunately, in the short time available, we were unable in finding one willing to do so.  

Seeking to change the law is a slow process at the best of times, and with a Scottish election fast approaching there is even less scope to do so until after the election. We have written to all the political parties currently in Holyrood asking their positions on this issue, to help raise this as an issue they should be focussing on, approaching the elections and beyond.  

We will also make a submission in support of a Parliamentary petition, urging that this issue is urgently addressed in the next session of Parliament.  

Parliamentary petition to stop the guga hunt 

There is a petition currently in the Scottish Parliament calling on the Scottish Government to remove the power to grant licences for the guga hunt from the WCA. The petitions committee will consider this petition on 21st of January 2026.  

With only two months at that stage before Parliament ends ahead of the election, there will be little that can be done immediately. However, the committee can choose to keep the petition open so that it will be considered in the next session of Parliament. We will make a submission in support of the petition, outlining the ethical and animal welfare concerns. We will point out that this is a good example of why wildlife and animal welfare legislation needs to be updated – two of our key manifesto asks – laws are outdated and failing to protect animals.

You can help us continue our vital work to end the killing of baby gannets by setting up a regular donation here.  

Party positions 

Both the Scottish Conservatives and Reform said that they need more time to consider this issue. The other party responses are: 

Scottish Liberal Democrats 

“The Scottish Liberal Democrats are a membership-led organisation and party policy is decided at our party conference. This is not an issue that Conference has looked at.” 

Scottish Labour 

“Scottish Labour are currently reviewing policy ahead of the Parliament election in May 2026 and while not able to pre-empt specific issues on animal welfare ahead of this launch, we have consistently supported protections for all species in Scotland, committed to strengthening protections and have a proud track record of delivering progress on animal welfare in government, from ending the testing of cosmetic products on animals in 1998, to stopping the cruelty of fur farming in 2000, introducing the Hunting Act in 2004, and bringing in the landmark Animal Welfare Act in 2006.” 

Scottish Greens 

“The Scottish Greens oppose all forms of blood sports and animal cruelty. We are proud to have recently secured a full ban on fox hunting, a ban on hunting with dogs, and a ban on the use of snares - important steps toward a more compassionate and ecologically responsible Scotland. 

“The Guga Hunt is a deeply troubling tradition that we believe has no place in modern Scotland. While it is often defended on cultural grounds, the reality is that it involves the killing of vulnerable, flightless birds using inhumane methods. 

“Furthermore, gannets are still recovering from the devastating impact of avian flu. These magnificent birds are not only ecologically vital but also contribute significantly to Scotland’s nature-based tourism, drawing visitors to places like Bass Rock to witness their spectacular colonies. Allowing the Guga Hunt to continue sends the wrong message about Scotland’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare. 

“The Scottish Greens will continue to advocate for the protection of all wildlife and push for an end to practices that cause unnecessary suffering, including the Guga Hunt. This must also include discussion with island communities to build common ground. We have already been pushing this Government to provide further clarity on the licencing regime for this barbaric activity and will continue to press for a full ban.” 

Extracts from the Scottish Government response 

“This traditional activity goes back hundreds of years and is of considerable cultural significance to the people of Ness on the Isle of Lewis. [..] 

“In issuing a licence, NatureScot gave consideration to two main issues. The first is whether the hunt is sustainable, and by that the focus of the consideration is whether the activity would have an adverse effect on the conservation status of the species concerned, namely gannets. The second issue is whether the practices of the hunt are consistent with animal welfare legislation, namely section 19 the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”). [...] 

“[...] it is a condition of NatureScot’s licence that birds should be killed humanely. NatureScot assessed this part of the licence application as meeting animal welfare requirements. Most of the gugas will be killed by a single blow to the head. Where a second blow is required, it is very likely that the first will have rendered the bird unconscious. In our view therefore the method used to kill the gugas does not involve unnecessary suffering.  

“Given the above and that the guga hunt is carried out in accordance with a licence issued by NatureScot, we are confident that the guga hunt is compatible with the requirements of the 2006 Act, which allows the killing of an animal in an appropriate and humane manner. [...]  

“I would like to reassure you, however, that NatureScot does keep these matters under continual review and if there was any change in the circumstances of this traditional activity, they would be prepared to reconsider the issue of a licence under section 16(2) of the 1981 Act or the terms of any such licence.” 

You can help us continue our vital work to end the killing of baby gannets by setting up a regular donation here.