New COVID-19 regulations announced this week and implications for let stalking
An important message from Richard Cooke, ADMG Chairman
It is quite clear that there is a significant and accelerating resurgence in the spread of COVID-19 in Scotland, the UK and beyond and we recognise that swift and decisive action at Government level is necessary.
The Scottish Government has now confirmed that changes to its COVID-19 regulations mean that self-catering accommodation rules will be the same as for private houses ie no more than one household staying in/using that accommodation at any one time. Unfortunately this will affect those stalking parties from more than one household who planned to stay in lodges or cottages on a self catering basis.
More information on the Association of Scottish Self Caterers website here:
https://www.assc.co.uk/regulations-for-self-catering-from-25th-september/
At the time of writing, as we understand it, staffed, catered accommodation, such as a shooting lodge, is still allowed and covered by the Rule of Six ie one or more separate groups, each of not more than six persons (plus any children under 12) drawn from not more than two households, being permitted subject to guidelines, eg masks, temperature checks, hand hygiene etc. This may yet change at short notice.
For the latest Scottish Government information on traveling to Scotland from the UK and abroad and traveling around Scotland https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-can-and-cannot-do/pages/getting-around/
For the latest information on vehicle sharing from Transport Scotland
https://www.transport.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/transport-transition-plan/advice-on-how-to-travel-safely/
These latest restrictions are a major blow just as the stag season is getting under way and many visitors with trips planned will now have to rethink at short notice. There clearly are major implications for stalking estates that let stalking and considerable essential income will be lost.
There will also be confusion as the rules are different for Scotland and other parts of the UK.
There will still be opportunities however within the new rules for some stalking to take place, for example in single household situations and by way of day lets and I would urge all to consider how they can adapt in order to maintain intended cull levels of both stags and hinds, particularly the latter. We must not forget how far we have come and the necessity to contain deer populations at levels which for the most part are now sustainable.
I will be writing to Ministers today to express what the likely effects of these latest measures will be on income for rural businesses from stalking lets, on employment and the deer cull and to make a case for financial support for the sector, not least to protect jobs.
Richard Cooke
Chairman
Association of Deer Management Groups
Disclaimer:
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information given at the time of this communication is current and correct, please note that this cannot be regarded as professional advice and that ADMG takes no responsibility for any error in the information given.
Members should check regularly with Scottish and UK Government and other official websites/sources for the latest developments and changes to the regulations.
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E-SCOPE is produced for the Association of Deer Management Groups by Playfair Walker.
