LICENSING for grouse moor shooting should be introduced if breeding raptor populations show no “marked improvement”, a review has recommended.

The review was commissioned by the Scottish Government after a report showed around one-third of tagged golden eagles had disappeared on or around driven grouse moors.

The study examined how to ensure grouse moor management continues to contribute to Scotland’s rural economy while being environmentally sustainable. It was asked to make recommendations to reduce the illegal killing of raptors.

Chaired by Professor Alan Werritty of the University of Dundee, the review recommends a shooting licensing scheme should be introduced if there is no “marked improvement” in the ecological sustainability of grouse moor management within five years, evidenced by the populations of breeding golden eagles, hen harriers and peregrines “being in favourable condition”.

The review also recommends licensing for muirburn – the controlled burning of vegetation to maintain open moorland – as well as increased legal regulation for shooting mountain hares and a voluntary code of practice for the use of medicated grit.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “It is important that we give careful consideration to the recommendations, alongside other evidence, before issuing a response.

“An important part of this will involve meeting key stakeholders to discuss the findings of the review, and we will publish a full response to the report in due course. At this early stage, however, I believe the option of a licensing scheme will need to be considered and – if required – implemented earlier than the five-year time-frame suggested.”

RSPB Scotland called for more urgent action to address the issues. Duncan Orr-Ewing, the charity’s head of s land management, said: “The illegal killing of Scotland’s birds of prey simply has to stop. Those perpetrating these criminal acts have shown no willingness over decades to change their criminal behaviours.

“Letting this issue languish for another half decade will not help and we fully expect more prevarication.”

Scottish Greens environment spokesman Mark Ruskell said the report should have gone further, calling it “a weak washout that kowtows to powerful vested interests.”

But in a joint statement, organisations including the Scottish Association for Country Sports and Scottish Land and Estates said the report’s suggested measures that will “leave the grouse shooting sector engulfed by legislation and red tape.”

“On top of that, penalties for wildlife crime in Scotland are about to get much tougher. The sector has already willingly embraced change and improvements in how it operates.

“We believe further enhanced training and codes of practice covering muirburn, mountain hare management and medicated grit are the best solution rather than onerous licensing provisions and we will be seeking an urgent meeting with government to discuss these key areas.”