Earlier this week I was alerted, by a concerned member of the public, to some drone footage on YouTube. The footage, taken in mid April, clearly shows that the drone is causing disturbance to breeding seabirds. The drone operators were committing offences on two counts. Firstly, it is an offence under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to use powered vehicles, including drones, on land without the landowner’s permission. And secondly, it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 to disturb or harass a bird at its nest, or prevent it getting to its nest. The drone operators had passed two signs informing them that the area is a "no drone zone" between 1st April and 31st July, and explaining why. The incident has been reported to the police.

There is no doubt that drones offer us amazing perspective on the world, which is why we haven't gone for a complete ban as some organisations have. But it is important that they are used responsibly to protect the wildlife that we work to conserve, and also the visitors who come to enjoy the wildlife.

Please let us know on (018907) 71443 if you spot anyone unpacking drones or flying drones from our land. Thank you. Liza.