Permission could be refused for a traditional hunt of young seabirds to take place on an uninhabited Hebridean island later this summer.
For centuries, gannets have been killed for their meat during an annual hunt on Sula Sgeir, a small rocky island 40 miles (64km) north of Ness on Lewis in the Western Isles.
NatureScot officials have recommended board members refuse granting a licence for this year’s hunt due to the potential impact on Sula Sgeir’s gannet population. The officials said animal welfare concerns were also considered.
The board, which is due to meet next week, could vote on two other options – allowing a hunt of either 2,000 or 500 birds.
NatureScot, a public body, issues licences for the hunts and has been assessing the latest application.
Previously it has said the cultural significance of the hunt was recognised under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and hunters must apply for permission every year.
In a new report, officials have recommended a licence be refused this year.
Animal welfare organisations have welcomed the move, but Save Our Guga Harvest campaign said it was disappointed by the recommendation.
