General licence for birds - GL15/2025 - Sale, advertisement, possession & transportation of Greylag geese & Greylag goose meat by hunters, caterers and retailers

General Licences allow authorised people to carry out activities that would otherwise be illegal under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). They cover situations where we are satisfied that there is no other satisfactory solution in respect of the species to which they relate and the circumstances in which the licensed action may be taken. 

Terms and conditions

If you operate under General Licence 15/2025 you must meet the following terms and conditions otherwise your actions may constitute an offence which could lead to prosecution.

What can this General Licence be used for?

This Licence can be used for the following activities:

• Sell, advertise, possess and transport whole carcasses, meat or other products derived from greylag geese killed legally in defined areas.

Who is authorised to use this General Licence?

An authorised person is a person legally able to kill greylag geese and also those who operate according to Food Hygiene legislation.

When and where is this General Licence valid?

Valid only for greylag geese killed in the following areas:

• Orkney;
• Tiree and Coll;
• Outer Hebrides.

And sold Scotland-wide from 1st January 2025 until 31st December 2029 unless previously revoked.

What restrictions apply to the use of this General Licence?

This General Licence cannot be used by those convicted of a wildlife crime until that conviction is considered spent in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended), they have received an admonishment or a court discharged them absolutely.

Any person not able to use the General Licence should contact Licensing@nature.scot

What other information must authorised people know before considering use of this General Licence?

An authorised person must:

• Understand this General Licence and comply with its terms and conditions;
• Use it only for the purpose(s) specified.

What are the record keeping and reporting requirements for people using this General Licence?

Reporting requirement:

An authorised person must keep records to comply with food hygiene regulations.

Definitions

For the purposes of this General Licence: 

“Greylag” means the species Anser anser.

“wildlife crime” means any offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, Deer (Scotland) Act 1996, Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948, the Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912, the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996, the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 and the Wildlife management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 (all as amended).

 ‘Food hygiene regulations’ The Food Hygiene (Scotland) regulations 2006.  For guidance see http://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/downloads/The_Wild_Game_Guide_1.pdf

 “NatureScot” means Scottish Natural Heritage acting under its operating name NatureScot.