Loss of isle missile jobs could put rare birds in jeopardy

Published on Tuesday 23 June 2009 22:52

PLANNED job cuts at missile test ranges in the Western Isles could lead to the loss of wildlife as well as people, it is claimed.

Up to 180 posts could go following the announcement by the Ministry of Defence that it is considering switching control of the Hebrides range to the Aberporth range in Wales.

A taskforce formed to fight the proposals meets for the first time today in Benbecula.

As well as the economic blow the move could deal to the islands, RSPB Scotland says it may also hit the environment and bird life.

Some of the workers employed at the test sites on Benbecula and South Uist are also crofters whose management of the land helps rare species such as the corncrake.

The society says if the crofters leave, the wildlife habitats on the machair or grassland could also be lost.

Up to 50 per cent of the wildlife relies on crofting, and it is thought that 75 per cent of corncrakes could disappear if habitats are affected.

James Reynolds, of RSPB Scotland, said there is a link between economic sustainability and the environment through the MoD employees working as crofters and wildlife tourism, from which the islands benefit.

The taskforce was set up by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to try to safeguard the island jobs, which are expected to go between 2013-2014.

It also involves the National Trust for Scotland, the Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland, local politicians and community landowners.