Buzzards are protected by law. Photo: David Dixon CC-BY-SA-2.0

Buzzards are protected by law. Photo: David Dixon CC-BY-SA-2.0

A man has been found guilty of recklessly killing a protected bird of prey during a pheasant shoot in the Highlands.

Police Scotland welcomed the conviction of Keith Riddoch at Inverness Sheriff Court on Monday.

The 65-year-old oil executive from Craigden, Aberdeenshire was found guilty of an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, following an incident where he shot a buzzard during an organised shoot in the Ralia area near Newtonmore in November 2016. The bird was so badly injured it had to be destroyed.

Riddoch was fined £500 for the offence.

Wildlife crime officer Constable Daniel Sutherland said: “We welcome this conviction, which clearly indicates the high expectations and standards police and the wider public have for firearms holders and those involved in the participation of game shooting and any deviation from that will be fully investigated.

“Game-bird shooting is a legal sport and brings jobs and benefits to the local economy. However, it is fully expected all participants conduct their activities to the highest standard.

“In this case the mistaken identity of a pheasant and killing of the buzzard was deemed unacceptable to the court.

“I would like to thank the estate staff and all other witnesses involved in the incident for their co-operation during our investigation.

“Along with the safe practices established during this shoot I would also like to take the opportunity to remind all those involved in shooting, whether game birds or deerstalking that there is a high expectation on not only shoot managers but also individuals to practise safely and responsibly.

“Similarly for deerstalking, expectations are that those involved should be suitably qualified with appropriate deer management qualifications for certain specific operations.”

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