NatureScot refusal of Guga Hunt licence welcomed as win for Scotland's seabirds - Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre has welcomed NatureScot's decision to refuse a licence for the 2026 guga hunt on Sula Sgeir, saying it is an important step towards protecting Scotland's internationally important gannets.

NatureScot concluded it could not rule out an adverse effect on the protected Sula Sgeir colony, in the face of ongoing uncertainty over its recovery from avian influenza.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Seabird Centre published a detailed assessment concluding that the licensed hunt should end, finding there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that it can continue without risking the recovery and stability of this important seabird population. While recognising the hunt's deep cultural significance to the Ness community, the charity believes protecting vulnerable seabirds under increasing pressure must now come first.

Emily Burton, Conservation Manager at Scottish Seabird Centre said: "This is the right decision for Scotland's seabirds. Gannet populations have suffered significant declines, and many colonies are still recovering from the impacts of avian influenza. At a time when the latest evidence shows a 17% decline across the North-East Atlantic population, every avoidable pressure matters.”