Scottish conservation agency accused of undermining law to protect birds of prey

NatureScot to allow shooting estates to greatly reduce area of grouse moors affected by licensing regime

Wildlife charities have condemned a decision by Scotland's nature conservation agency to dilute a new law designed to combat the illegal killing of birds of prey.

NatureScot, a government agency, has decided to greatly reduce the area of land affected by a new licensing regime for grouse moors after legal threats from shooting estates and land owners.