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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Xander Elliards

'Disturbing' video of men 'almost trampling' baby birds prompts watchdog action

Video unearthed by wildlife campaigners showed three men taking part in a sack-race on the protected Scottish island of Sula Sgeir (Image: Supplied)

FRESH concerns have been raised about Scotland’s traditional “guga hunt” after newly surfaced footage showed people taking part in a sack-race through the seabirds’ breeding ground.

The hunt is an annual event dating back to the 1400s which sees men from Ness, in Lewis, travel to the uninhabited islet of Sula Sgeir to trap young gannets ("gugas") for food. Government agency NatureScot granted a licence for 500 young birds to be taken in 2025 , and its board is set to make a decision on a 2026 licence on August 3.

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