There are many ‘cultural behaviours’ and traditions that are now being,or have been, left to history because they are unnecessary cruel, unsustainable ,persecuting, unjustified or based upon a lack of knowledge and ignorance.
The excuse of tradition or ‘indigenous rights’ used by Guga Hunters and other people who continue to persecute, abuse and exploit animals is disingenuous and hypocritical. Unless they want to leave their ‘modern comforts’ behind ( modern comforts that have come at the expense of exploiting the rights and environment of indigenous peoples of the global south - our heated homes, cars, ferries, access to world foods, education etc etc etc, and go back to the insular, isolated, starving, communities of the islands, they have no right to exploit the ‘indigenous right’ argument. The world is a different place from the times of the Guga Hunt. Nature is in crisis because of man-made pressures, these birds are in trouble. That is fact. We now have the knowledge, the scientific data and the understanding of sentience of other species.
I’m Scottish and I feel mortified that fellow Scots have the brass neck to even attempt to use ‘Indigenous Rights’ as an excuse to perpetuate a violent, cruel and totally unnecessary act against a defenceless animal. It is an utter disgrace! If NatureScot continue to ignore the science and this cruelty in 2026, they can no longer be viewed as a government organisation that protects nature. They are no longer fit for purpose.
There are many ‘cultural behaviours’ and traditions that are now being,or have been, left to history because they are unnecessary cruel, unsustainable ,persecuting, unjustified or based upon a lack of knowledge and ignorance.
The excuse of tradition or ‘indigenous rights’ used by Guga Hunters and other people who continue to persecute, abuse and exploit animals is disingenuous and hypocritical. Unless they want to leave their ‘modern comforts’ behind ( modern comforts that have come at the expense of exploiting the rights and environment of indigenous peoples of the global south - our heated homes, cars, ferries, access to world foods, education etc etc etc, and go back to the insular, isolated, starving, communities of the islands, they have no right to exploit the ‘indigenous right’ argument. The world is a different place from the times of the Guga Hunt. Nature is in crisis because of man-made pressures, these birds are in trouble. That is fact. We now have the knowledge, the scientific data and the understanding of sentience of other species.
I’m Scottish and I feel mortified that fellow Scots have the brass neck to even attempt to use ‘Indigenous Rights’ as an excuse to perpetuate a violent, cruel and totally unnecessary act against a defenceless animal. It is an utter disgrace! If NatureScot continue to ignore the science and this cruelty in 2026, they can no longer be viewed as a government organisation that protects nature. They are no longer fit for purpose.
Id like to push these gobshite cowards over the cliff that would giv me immense satifaction, and as 4 the book i wouldnt wipe my arse with it 🧻
Great article Innogen