Guga hunt statement

26 May 2026

NatureScot's latest guga hunt statement.

We understand there are strong feelings about the guga hunt, and that some people will disagree with it taking place.

The hunt is recognised in law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which makes specific provision for the granting of a licence for the purpose of providing food for human consumption in relation to the gannets on the island of Sula Sgeir. Our role is to make licensing decisions based on the most recent scientific evidence.

In 2025, we received our first licence application from the Men of Ness since 2021. After reviewing the survey data, collected in 2024 following bird flu outbreaks, we reduced the maximum number of birds that can be taken from 2,000 to 500 and a licence was granted on the condition that all birds must be killed humanely. This ensures the gannet population on Sula Sgeir remains stable for the future. The 2025 licence has now expired.

A licence application for 2026 has been received. We will assess it as required by the relevant legal frameworks and using the most recent scientific evidence.

Further details can be found on our position on wildlife welfare statement and also in our 2024 survey Digital Aerial Survey of Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) colonies off North-west Scotland in 2024.

NatureScot has received a number of emails for the attention of our Board in relation to our licensing role. Our Chair is considering these and will be seeking guidance from our licensing team to inform future discussions with our Board. We thank those who have contacted us for highlighting their concerns clearly and constructively. However, given the volume of correspondence received we are unfortunately unable to respond individually.