On 11 December 2017, Keith Riddoch was fined £500 at Inverness Sheriff Court for recklessly shooting a buzzard contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Section 1(1)(a).

During an organised pheasant shoot at Ralia Estate, Newtonmore, in November 2016, the 65 year old from Aberdeen fired the first shot of the day injuring the buzzard that had been misidentified and had to be euthanised.

The National Wildlife Crime Unit provided Police Scotland with advice and assistance to help evidence the offence during their investigation of the case.

Chief Inspector Louise Hubble, Head of the National Wildlife Crime Unit, said, “The use of any firearm or shotgun requires the utmost care and diligence. All participants in game bird shoots are responsible for their own actions and are rightly held accountable for them. Birds of prey are afforded protection by law and the responsibility lies with the shooter to ensure they accurately identify their quarry prior to shooting”.