Scottish Natural Heritage boss slams abusive email threats over controversial raven cull

THE chairman of Scotland’s countryside agency has broken his silence about a controversial cull of 300 ravens.

Mike Cantlay received thousands of abusive emails and tweets slating Scottish Natural Heritage’s decision to license the cull, near the Sma’ Glen in Perthshire.

He defended the decision, taken to protect other birds. He said nothing about the episode has changed his attitude to the role he was appointed to last year.

“We need to find more of the middle ground and less of the extremes,” he said.

“Between polarised views of organisations such as the RSPB at one end, and gamekeepers and farmers at the other, it’s our job to step into the middle and find a resolution.”