Guga hunt tradition returns to Scotland after long hiatus

Scotland’s last surviving traditional seabird hunt has been granted a licence for 2025, marking the first time since 2021 that the centuries-old guga hunt will take place on remote Sula Sgeir.

The annual harvest of young gannets by the Men of Ness – a traditional 10-man team from the Isle of Lewis – was suspended due to avian influenza (bird flu) concerns that devastated seabird colonies across the Western Isles in 2022.

NatureScot has approved the application but with significantly reduced quotas. The new licence permits harvesting 500 birds, down from 2,000.

Director Robbie Kernahan said: “The cultural significance of the hunt is recognised in law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. We have carefully assessed the application and significantly reduced the number of birds from 2,000 to 500, based on scientific evidence showing the Sula Sgeir gannet population will remain viable long-term.”

The practice has drawn criticism from animal welfare groups, with OneKind describing the hunt as “cruel” and calling for it to remain consigned to history. But local MSP Dr Alasdair Allan told Shooting Times he recognises the long-standing cultural importance of the guga hunt. “This is not some elite sport, but an important traditional part of the living heritage in the Ness area of Lewis,” he added.

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