Wildfowlers have vowed to ignore a voluntary permit system set up to broker peace in a bitter row at a Moray nature reserve – claiming they are being “banished”.
Petitions and demonstrations marred last year’s season at Findhorn Bay after an uneasy truce was struck.
Yesterday it was announced permits will be introduced from next month as part of a trial period – as a forerunner to possible by-laws.
The move provoked anger from wildfowling groups and shooters who have now walked away from future discussions with some calling for permits for dog walkers and bird watchers too.
Campaigners pushing for a total ban of hunting at the beauty spot hailed the introduction as a “step in the right direction”.
Lisa Mead, a member of Friends of Findhorn Bay, said: “We went along with this in the hope that it will bring some relief to the dire situation at the bay.
“We have sought to find middle ground. We argued for three days a week with no shooting at all. Unfortunately we have ended up with only one extra day of no shooting, on Mondays.
“We’ll go along with this for the coming season. However, we still feel it’s unfair to local residents, especially in Kinloss, who will still be woken up extremely early by shotgun fire.”
The permits, which will be free for the trial year, forbid shooting on Sundays and Mondays – and only open the bay to locals on Saturdays.
They also prohibit wildfowling in the northern half of the bay, with time restrictions in place for the southern section.
Last night the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (Basc), which criticised last year’s arrangements, welcomed the permits.
But Alex Stoddart, director at the Scottish Association for Country Sports (Sacs), explained their members would not sign up for them.
He said: “I don’t think I have ever worked with a tribe that is as single-minded as the other side. They don’t want to integrate, they simply want the bay for themselves.
“As things currently stand we will be pulling out from future discussions, with regret. You can’t work with these people.
“It’s impossible for other community groups to use the bay – the next thing they’ll want is permits for fishing and surfing. Whatever suits their airy fairy mindset.”
Mr Stoddart added that Sacs would continue to encourage their members to follow their best practice guidance when at the bay.
Martin Gauld, founder of the Findhorn Fowlers Community Group, said: “We actually offered them a larger part of the bay but they weren’t interested.
“Having to get permits is like we’re being banished. We shouldn’t have to pay to do something that is entirely legal.
“If it comes to having a by-law then they should bring in permits for dog walking and bird watching as well.”
Moray Council has confirmed the issue is due to be discussed by councillors next month. The authority has previously allowed the situation to be overseen by the committee that looks after the reserve.
Roy Dennis, chairman of that group, has spent months in discussions with shooters, ornithologists and conservationists in an attempt to find a compromise.
He said: “We encourage everyone to support the voluntary permit system. The aim is to use the experience to reach a consensus for establishing formal by-laws in future years.”
Denise Reed, Scottish Natural Heritage manager for Tayside and Grampian, added: “This type of permit arrangement works well elsewhere in Scotland. We hope people will show willing and test out the proposal.”