Guga Hunt banned this year over gannet concerns

Scotland's natural heritage agency has banned this year's Guga Hunt, a centuries-old annual hunt for gannet chicks on the remote island of Sula Sgeir, citing conservation concerns.

NatureScot said the hunting group known as the Men of Ness had requested a licence to hunt up to 2,000 juvenile gannets. The agency said the latest science showed “an adverse impact is possible” on the Sula Sgeir gannet population in 2026.

The agency said the gannet population suffered mass mortalities in 2021-2023 because of bird flu. It said the hunters could apply again for a licence in 2027.

The hunt was first recorded in 1549. It involves a 64-kilometre journey across rough seas from the Isle of Lewis to the uninhabited island off Scotland's northwest coast.

NatureScot acknowledged significant opposition from animal rights campaigners, who have long petitioned against the hunt. Some local residents said the ban meant the loss of a longstanding tradition. Local resident John Malcolm called the ban “inevitable” but “a real shame”, and said the hunt had been sustainable.