The Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme has been short-listed for an Award. On the eve of the international Raptor Research Foundation Conference in Pitlochry, we are delighted to hear that 'our' Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme has been short-listed for the prestigious 'Best Practice Award', given annually by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. There are three finalists, and the winner will be announced in November. Commenting on the award, the Founder Chairman of the Scheme, Des Thompson said "This is excellent news, and just reward for each and every raptor worker who has contributed to the Scheme. This short-listing pays tribute to the professionalism of the Scheme and all who have worked to support it. In particular, I want to thank Brian Etheridge for his Herculean efforts." Image of an 'away from the office' Brian Etheridge by Martin Benson. Details of the three finalists can be found at: http://www.ieem.net/awards.asp Over 300 International delegates will gather this week for the Raptor Research Foundation Conference at the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry. This is the first occasion this prestigious event has been held in Scotland and SRSGs members have been heavily involved in its organisation - see http://www.rrfconferencescotland2009.org/.

PAW Scotland partners have launched a new initiative with a poster - 'Do you want to help tackle Wildlife Crime in Scotland?' Wildlife crime threatens the survival of some of our most rare and endangered animals and plants. It can interfere with how we enjoy and use Scotland’s landscapes and habitats and it can often be cruel and inhumane, causing great suffering to wildlife. The PAW Scotland fund for fighting wildlife crime can provide up to £20,000 a year to support new and innovative projects aimed at stamping out wildlife crime in Scotland. Tackling wildlife crime is not just the job of the police – everyone has a role to play. What is PAW Scotland? PAW Scotland is the Partnership for Actions against Wildlife crime in Scotland. It is a multi-agency organisation that aims to combat wildlife crime in Scotland. What is the PAW Scotland Fund? The PAW Scotland fund for fighting wildlife crime supports suitable projects aimed at stamping out wildlife crime in Scotland, and has £200,000 to award to projects up until the end of March 2011. Awards can be made of up to £20,000 in any one financial year and normally for up to 50 % of the total project costs. What is a suitable project? The PAW Scotland Fund can support new and innovative projects to help tackle and raise awareness of wildlife crime in Scotland. Projects must support enforcement actions, improve the gathering and transfer of information and intelligence about crimes or help prevent wildlife crime. Who can apply? Tackling wildlife crime is not just the job of the Police – everyone can play a role. Grants can be offered to support individuals and organisations, and you don’t need to be a member of PAW Scotland. Where can I find out more Information? If you have an idea for a project that might fit the bill visit the Grants pages of SNH’s website on www.snh.org.uk and download an application form and guidance SRSGs are partners in PAW Scotland and fully support this initiative.

Colleagues will be shocked to hear of the death of Professor Simon Thirgood in a storm related accident in Ethiopia on 30th August. Simon was co-author of the Langholm report 'Birds of Prey and Red Grouse' (1997), and had worked closely with his friend and colleague Steve Redpath to develop research and ideas concerning the raptor-grouse moor conflict. Professor Ian Newton, who worked closely with Simon during the Langholm study, commented that "Simon was an outstanding field ecologist, as much at home with birds as with mammals". SRSGs extend their deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. A full obituary can be found at http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/ProfThirgood/