This leaflet has now been replaced. Please refer to the latest guidelines HERE

There are many crags in Scotland where birds regularly nest and climbers regularly climb. There is a certain amount of coexistence between the two (especially with the likes of jackdaws who seem to nest anywhere). However, some birds are more prone to disturbance and are rare, and so need special protection.

voluntary restrictions

The MCofS liase with the RSPB in Scotland to help climbers obtain accurate information on the possible restrictions needed to protect the breeding success of certain species of bird. You will find below some general information which will help you decide on where and where not to climb and during which periods special attention should be given to nesting.

the designation of birds

Almost all birds, their eggs and nests, are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Certain rarer or more endangered species are further protected by increased penalties under the 1981 Act and cannot be intentionally disturbed when nesting. These are referred to as Schedule 1 species (S1). These species can only be disturbed at the nest by those in possession of a special licence issued by Scottish Natural Heritage. If a population of a specific bird in the UK is of international importance, is a scarce breeder, is declining in breeding numbers, is restricted in distribution, vulnerable or of special concern it is further classified in the Red Data Books (RD). The most important bird species that climbers may encounter on crags in Scotland are. Golden Eagle (S1/RD), White Tailed Eagle (Sea Eagle, S1/RD), Peregrine Falcon (S1/RD), Puffin (S1/RD), Guillemot (RD), Razorbill (RD).

kittiwake. photo Kevin Howett

Other commonly encountered nesting bird species are :
Sea cliffs - Fulmar, Kittiwake, Cormorant, Shag, Raven.
Inland crags and mountain cliffs - Buzzard, Kestrel, Raven, Wren.

a general climbers principle

Before starting out on the route of your choice on a certain crag or cliff, it is best to assess whether there is a nesting site that is being used by any bird, but particularly those listed above. The nest site is often quite obvious and it is then best to avoid any climbs that directly affect it.

Concerning those species mentioned above, the numbers of peregrine falcons in Scotland is healthy and they nest successfully on many crags that are also enjoyed by climbers, but they should still not be directly disturbed. Often it is possible to continue climbing on parts of the crag well away from the nest site. Eagles are the most important species that climbers may encounter, and they are much more prone to disturbance. The entire crag area should not be disturbed in this case. Both these species are variable in their choice of nest site.

the nesting period

The general time period for seasonal nesting restrictions usually applies between:

The area of crag to be avoided can vary depending upon various factors such as the size and extent of the breeding site, the importance of the population, the level of disruption any climbing would cause, the approach routes to the crag and the tolerance of the birds at that site. Some species also vary their choice of nesting site each year either within a crag on between different crags.

Many sites of Schedule 1 species are monitored throughout the nesting period by Raptor Study Groups (licensed by SNH) to ensure they are not disturbed or their eggs or chicks are not stolen.

how you can help

Guillimots and Puffins nesting on sea cliffs in the Hebrides. photo Kevin Howett

Get up to date information : The MCofS has contact with the RSPB in Scotland and where there are known concerns about breeding birds and climbing routes, we can pass information on. Below are sites notified for 1996. They include variable nesting sites and climbers wishing to visit these crags are asked to get up to date information from the MCofS about whether the site is being used prior to making a visit. If the site is not being used then there will be no restrictions on climbing. Any climbers witnessing illegal disturbance should report the matter to the Police immediately. All Police forces now have Wildlife Liaison Officers who will deal with such calls. Those licensed to be close to nests should be able to produce the licence when asked. Climbers witnessing other climbers disturbing nest sites should also contact the MCofS. Make a donation to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, Henry Hindmarch Access and Conservation Fund . This fund helps all access and conservation issues in Scotland.

voluntary restrictions for 1996

The following areas have birds nesting on a regular basis. We would be grateful if climbers could contact the MCofS if considering a visit to these crags and observe any restrictions that may be necessary :

Rock Climbing in Scotland by K. Howett. (Constable) ISBN 0 09 468 760 9
Climbing Guide to Scotland by T. Prentice. (Crowood Press) ISBN 1 85223 894 1
Lowland Outcrops by T. Prentice, G. Nicoll. (SMT) ISBN ?
Arran, Arrochar and Southern Highlands by K. Crocket, D. Walker. (SMC) ISBN ?
Arran, Arrochar Southern Highlands by K. Crocket. (SMC Due out in 1997)
Central and Southern Highlands: 100 Classic Climbs by K. Crocket ISBN ?
Skye Rock & Ice Guide by J. Mackenzie. (SMC) ISBN ?
Skye and the Hebrides (SMC publication due 1997)
Climbers Guide to the Cairngorm's. (SMC) ISBN 0 0907521 12 6 (Out of print)
Cairngorms, Winter Climbs by A. Fyffe. (Cordee) ISBN 0902363 85 99 9
Cairngorms, Northern. Vol 1 by A. Fyffe and A. Nisbet. (SMC)
Cairngorms, Southern. Vol 2 by A. Fyffe and A. Nisbet. (SMC)
Winter Climbs, Ben Nevis & Glen Coe by A. Kimber. (Cordee) ISBN 1 85223 894 1.
Glencoe by K. Crocket, R. Anderson, D. Cuthbertson. (SMC) ISBN 0 907521 32 0.
Ben Nevis by S. Richardson. (SMC) ISBN 0 907521 42.
Scottish Winter Climbs by A. Nisbert, R. Anderson. (SMC) ISBN ?
Central and Southern Highlands; 100 Classic climbs by K. Crocket ISBN ?
Scrambles in Lochaber by N. Williams. (Cordee) ISBN 0 903263 57 3.
North West Highlands, Vol 1, (SMC) ISBN 0-907521-33-9
North West Highlands, Vol 2 (SMC) ISBN 0-907521-40-1

bird nesting restrictions in England and Wales

Since 1970 the BMC have negotiated with the RSPB and the government's nature conservation organisations to agree climbing restrictions in England and Wales to help protect the breeding success of several species of birds. Updated information about these agreed restrictions is available annually from the BMC.

Contact The BMC at 177-179 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2BB. Tel. 0161 445 4747.

The Scottish Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime

The Scottish Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW) brings together representatives from the Scottish Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage, the police and a variety other organisations directly involved in tackling wildlife offences. PAW has produced a series of leaflets on different aspects of wildlife crime, including Wild Birds and the Law in Scotland. Leaflets are available from local police wildlife liaison officers or direct from the Scottish Executive
(Mrs A Thomson, Wildlife and Habitats Unit, Scottish Executive, Victoria Quay, EDINBURGH EH6 6QQ - e:mail wildlife.crime@scotland.gsi.gov.uk).

More detailed information on wildlife law is available in the SNH/PAW publication Wildlife, the Law and You (from Publications Section, SNH, Battleby, Redgorton, PERTH, PH1 3EW).

The UK website for PAW can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/paw. Also see the website at www.scotland.gov.uk for the Scottish Executive's proposals on updating the law on wildlife crime in Scotland.