Responding to the launch of the Cairngorms Capercaillie Emergency Plan, BASC Scotland director, Peter Clark said:

“The Cairngorms stands as the final bastion for capercaillie in the UK and efforts must be made to protect this iconic species.

“BASC has played its part in supporting this important conservation effort, including making a financial contribution of £52,000 to the initiatives to mark or remove 10 kilometres of unmarked fences in the Badenoch and Strathspey area.

“These fences, if left unattended, are known to be a hinderance during capercaillie leks and breeding.

“While good progress has been made via this initiative and predator control, success will depend on high levels of collaboration from all stakeholders.

“BASC and its members are ready to support the efforts to restore capercaillie numbers.”