Dave Thompson MSP

Following discussions with the Rural Affairs and Climate Change Committee and the Police on the topic of wildlife crime, Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has called for a review into the investigation around how Redkites, Buzzards and Raptors perished last summer.

Police Scotland said the birds of prey found dead in the Conon Bridge area earlier this year were “most likely not targeted deliberately" and believe that they were the victim of “pest control measures”.

The discovery of 22 dead birds led to police raids on local farms, a public demonstration and a petition calling for action, but there has been some public confusion and rumours abound that have cast a shadow over the investigation.

Commenting on this Mr Thompson said,

“I think it would be useful if a full review of the investigation process was carried out. It would go a long way to allaying any fears the general public may have but also in the interests of transparency, I think such a review would take away any lingering confusion about how these great birds of prey met their demise”.

“This is why I have written to the Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill to request that a review of the investigation process takes place and why I will be making sure the Lord Advocate is copied into any correspondence on the matter”.