Understanding the conflict over raptors in Scotland

This project is tackling the contentious conflict over birds of prey in Scotland. This conflict has a long history, having stemmed from issues between interests in raptor conservation and recovery, and management for driven grouse moors. Raptors were awarded protection in 1954, yet evidence suggests the illegal killing and disturbance of many species is still ongoing, and severely restricting the range and population size of some of Scotland’s most charismatic birds of prey. Illegal killing is associated with grouse moors and the shooting industry, following concerns over their perceived impacts on game birds. This conflict has become deep rooted, stemming from decades of disputes and a complex suite of underlying social factors that go beyond the superficial dispute regarding species impact – in a sense, the conflict has almost become a part of the identity of some groups. There is a mistrust between stakeholders, leaving them unable and unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue. Therefore, a sustainable, long-term solution has not yet come to fruition.

Our research aims to gain an in-depth understanding into the societal mechanisms underlying this conflict. Utilising social science methods including discourse analysis, interviews and questionnaires, we will explore the relationships between stakeholders and work towards unravelling the various values, perspectives and beliefs that underpin the arguments of key actors and act as drivers to the conflict. Given the scale on which the conflict operates, it involves many groups of actors and is multi-layered, occurring not just at an individual, local scale, but also at an organisational, national level, where it has become part of the public domain. The project is thus split into two parts: one will investigate conflict at an organisational level, studying the strategies and tools with which organisations compete with one another to gain an advantage within the conflict, using discourse analysis of information released by websites. Second, we will interview key actors who engage with more on-the-ground, practical work, in a more detailed, in-depth approach to the issues that occur at the individual level. We are particularly interested to see how these two levels relate; do issues at the organisational level filter down to individuals on the ground, or are the two different stories?

By gaining an in-depth understanding of deep rooted social issues, this work will demonstrate potential areas for conflict, such as where stakeholders differ on certain matters and why they clash. Potentially, it will also demonstrate areas on which a solution may be built – shared attitudes, values and goals that may provide a basis for future dialogue and collaboration.

Where?
Scotland
 

What species?
Hen Harriers (Circus cyaneus)
Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica)
 

People 
Isla Hodgson (University of Aberdeen) 
Steve Redpath (University of Aberdeen)

Juliette Young (CEH Edinburgh)