RSPB under fire for feral goat cull

RSPB Scotland has been criticised after it resumed its cull of feral goats on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond.

Locals fear that the cull, which is backed by Scottish Natural Heritage, could wipe out the entire population of goats around Inversnaid, especially if there are successive bad winters.

The RSPB plans to reduce the number of goats from 69 to 30 — with 20 goats being shot this year — because the animals are causing damage.

Reserves manager Robert Coleman said: “This is Scotland’s rainforest. We’ve got a huge range of moss and lichen. By managing the herbivores, deer and goats, we can ensure the longevity of this habitat and make sure there are trees, mosses and lichens in the future, while ensuring we maintain the populations of herbivores within the area too.”