Moray Council could impose a ban on hunting at a stretch of Findhorn Bay in a bid to resolve a protracted row between pro and anti-shooting campaigners
Local authority officers have tabled a report on the controversial issue ahead of a meeting tomorrow.
Campaigners had asked the council to impose a by-law, completely prohibiting wildfowling at Findhorn Bay, but elected members sought to strike a compromise between protestors and those in favour of continuing to shoot.
It appeared an uneasy truce had been called when the opposing factions agreed to a voluntary agreement that would see hunting go ahead this season – but with shooting limited to certain times and areas of the shoreline.
However, the arrangement collapsed when the British Association for Shooting and Conservation vowed to defy its terms, claiming they were “unnecessarily restrictive”.
The council’s head of direct services, Stephen Cooper, was subsequently tasked with compiling a report suggesting other ways to resolve the wrangle.
Mr Cooper has now drawn up a list of options for members of the economic development and infrastructure services committee to consider.
He has mooted the idea of the authority banning shooting on a stretch near Kinloss, where the hunting fraternity and birdwatchers often come into conflict.
Mr Cooper said: “Although wildfowling takes place at various areas in Findhorn Bay, the area where there is the greatest competition with other recreational users appears to be in the south-east of the bay.
“Most of the land between the foreshore and the public road at this part of the bay is owned by the Moray Council.
“The council could exercise its rights as a landowner to control activity on this land and it could legitimately prohibit shooting as this area is not part of the foreshore.”
He also revealed a full hearing could be arranged in the future – involving consultation with 19 stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence, the police, and local outdoors and community groups.
The report explains that wildfowling at Findhorn Bay is thought to date back to the 1750s.
Huntsman Martin Gauld led a petition aimed at ensuring it continues at the bay – and stated he was willing to compromise with campaigners.
The Friends of Findhorn Bay group has staged vociferous protests against hunting – and members plan to demonstrate outside Moray Council’s Elgin headquarters tomorrow morning.