TWO farm estates near Heriot have been branded “wildlife crime hotspots”.

It follows the announcement by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) that it is suspending the general licences at Raeshaw Estate and neighbouring Corshope for a period of three years.

These licences, introduced under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, permit “authorised persons” to carry out actions that would otherwise by illegal, including the control of common species of wild birds to protect crops and livestock.

Since last year Scottish Natural Heritage has had to power to “restrict” these permits in a bid to reduce the persecution of raptors.

And on Friday, the agency, which advises the Scottish Government on all aspects of nature and landscape, revealed the first of these restriction orders had been imposed on the two Borders estates, along with another two in Stirlingshire.

“The decision was made on the basis of evidence provided by Police Scotland of wildlife crime against birds,” said Scottish Natural Heritage director of operations Nick Halfhide, describing the properties as “wildlife crime hotspots”.

“There is clear evidence that wildlife crimes have been committed on these properties and, because of this and the risk of more wildlife crimes taking place, we have suspended the general licences for three years.

“They may still apply for individual licences, but these will be closely monitored.

“The measure should help to protect wild birds in the area, while still allowing necessary land management activities to take place, albeit under tighter supervision.

“We consider this a proportionate response to protect wild birds in the area and prevent further wildlife crime.”

SNH does not, however, give details of the alleged wildlife crime incidents which informed its decision and it is understood that letters to the estates, notifying them of the intention to impose the restrictions, were sent shortly before the discovery of a wounded buzzard on the road from Heriot to Innerleithen on July 24.

The bird, which had been shot and was later put to sleep by a vet, had suffered “a great deal of pain and distress” according to the Scottish SPCA.

Back in 2013, the Border Telegraph reported that a buzzard found dead in a forestry plantation at Carcant Hill near Heriot in June of that year had been both shot and poisoned.

However, the general licence restrictions can only be imposed for wildlife crimes committed after January 1, 2014.

The measure was welcomed by Councillor Sandy Aitchison whose Galashiels and District ward includes Heriot, although he admitted: “I find it very embarrassing that both these estates are in my patch.”

Councillor Aitchison from Stow recalled how he had read about the 2013 incident in a national newspaper while sitting on a plane at Heathrow.

“I remember thinking: ‘What does that do for the reputation of the Scottish Borders?’

“We try to promote this region as a wildlife-rich area for outdoor activities and publicity like this only works against our efforts to increase visitor numbers.

“What all gamekeepers, estate managers and estate owners need to realise – and I’m sure many do - is that cruelty and barbarism creates the wrong kind of image.

“Indeed, when land reform is hot on the political agenda in Scotland, this is the last thing they need when they argue they are the best custodians of the countryside.

“They should be working very hard to promote the diversity of wildlife in all its forms to ensure they are creating a positive impact on the countryside that we all love and want to enjoy.

“The sight of raptors in the sky is one of the wonderful images of the Borders and we need more, not fewer.”

David Mckie, of Levy and McRae who represent Raeshaw Estate, this week told the Border Telegraph: “We are disappointed by this decision and will be vigorously challenging it.”