NatureScot, a Scottish government agency, has banned the centuries-old tradition of hunting gannet chicks for food on the uninhabited island of Sula Sgeir. This marks the first time the hunt, a practice dating back to the mid-1400s, has been prohibited.

The decision means a team of ten men from Ness, known as the Men of Ness, will not be permitted to cull up to 2,000 juvenile birds this autumn, as they have done traditionally. The ban was formally rejected by NatureScot's board members following recommendations from officials.

Officials cited concerns over the recovery of gannet populations following an avian flu outbreak. Their recommendation stated that even a reduced cull could have an adverse effect on the site's integrity, a conclusion they were "unable to conclude, beyond reasonable scientific doubt" would not be met if a license were granted.

Campaigners lauded the decision. "This move was a victory for compassion, for conservation and for common sense," stated Devon Docherty of Protect the Wild. Robbie Marsland of the League Against the Cruelty of Animals added, "This cruel practice belongs in the past."

However, some islanders and representatives have voiced dissent. Concerns were raised that the scientific modeling used to inform the decision lacked "real, empirical scientific evidence." Murdo MacRitchie of Ness questioned why a reduced cull of 500 birds was not considered viable.

The Men of Ness emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the expedition, noting its "strict traditions and practices that have been passed down." One NatureScot board member, Jill Robbie, acknowledged that the people of Lewis have "for centuries looked after important habitats through traditional practices."

Western Isles Labour MSP Donald MacKinnon expressed disappointment, stating the decision followed "months of intense abuse directed at the community and individuals from protesters." He also raised questions about the population modeling and urged NatureScot to engage directly with the Men of Ness to "strike a balance between maintaining a sustainable population of gannets on Sula Sgeir and allowing guga to be harvested in the future."

NatureScot stated that the decision does not preclude future license applications. A spokesperson for the agency affirmed, "Nature-Scot has a duty to consider any licence application based upon the best available science."