Moray’s MSP has met campaigners calling for an end to a controversial goose shoot at a local beauty spot.
More than 800 residents have backed a petition. started by members of the Friends of Findhorn group, who claim that an increase in shooting has led to injured geese plummeting from the sky on to residential properties.
Last month, they presented Moray Council with documents calling for an outright ban.
But local wildfowlers say the traditional practice should be allowed to continue – albeit under tighter regulations.
Yesterday morning, Mr Lochhead met representatives from both groups at a commonly-used bird hide between Kinloss and Findhorn.
The SNP politician said he was struck by the growing concerns locals have over a recent surge in wildfowling at Findhorn Nature Reserve.
Mr Lochhead said: “I’m told that the increase in the number of geese visiting Findhorn Bay has attracted more wildfowlers from around the UK.
“This has led to a significant backlash in the local community due to the behaviour of some of the visitors.
“Some local people want the shooting to cease because they view it as incompatible with the nature conservation aims of the site, and what should be a special place associated with peace and tranquility.
“Others, including local wildfowlers, take the view that is what is needed is regulation, rather than a complete ban, to control the number of participants.”
Moray Council has said the matter will be discussed at a meeting of the local authority’s economic development and infrastructure services committee in March.
Mr Lochhead has called for the body to consider a request for new by-laws to be enacted.
Campaigner Julian Spencer says he fears falling geese pose a threat to children living around Findhorn Bay.
Mr Spencer said: “Often, the birds can continue flying for a while after being struck by cartridges – but that means they can drop anywhere.
“They can crash land on play areas, and if a heavy goose comes down on a child, they could be seriously hurt.”
However, a spokesman for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation said wildfowling added hundreds of millions to the Scottish economy.
Dr Colin Shedden, the organisation’s director in Scotland, said by-laws should be introduced rather than a ban.