Local MSP Craig Hoy has spoken in support of a petition defending wild goats on the Langholm moor
Mr Hoy, who is also the Dumfriesshire Conservative candidate, spoke at Holyrood’s petitions committee where he said that local people want stronger safeguards for the goat population. Mr Hoy also urged Oxygen Conservation, the company responsible for culling a significant number of goats earlier this year, to explore alternatives.
Speaking in the committee Mr Hoy said: “The petition was signed by over 13,000 concerned citizens – which is, I believe, one of the largest ever groups to petition this parliament. The Langholm goats have grazed the hills peacefully and quietly, existed for generations without significant issues, with careful and sensitive management. In a rush to chase after maximum financial return we have seen those with outside interests seek to go too far and dramatically reduce the goat population for the wrong reasons. They did so without undertaking proper and meaningful community consultation. Worse still, alternatives such as fencing around tree planting or working more closely with neighbouring landholders, such as the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve, were not properly explored. Companies such as the natural capital landowner Oxygen Conservation should understand the need to work in partnership with communities in the Scottish Borders and Dumfriesshire not against them. And convenor, where they don't Nature Scot and other bodies should not turn a blind eye. Sadly, in this case it appears that Nature Scot are too remote and too bureaucratic”
Mr Hoy went on to call for the committee to “urge the Scottish Government to grant protected status to this primitive goat species” as the petition lodged by local resident Kenneth Moffat requests.
Speaking after the committee, Craig said: “I was pleased to speak in support of this important petition. Kenneth Moffat has worked extremely hard to bring it forward, and I commend him for his efforts.
“The SNP Scottish Government cannot ignore the strength of local feeling on this issue. It is vital that they take these concerns into account and act to protect the goats on Langholm Moor.
“Oxygen should have consulted local residents before taking such drastic action as culling much-loved wild goats. I will continue to work with all stakeholders including NatureScot to seek a fair and lasting resolution.”
