The Scottish government has officially refused to grant the necessary permits for the annual guga hunt, a centuries-old tradition involving the harvesting of gannet chicks on the uninhabited Hebridean island of Sula Sgeir. The event, which typically takes place each year, involves men from the town of Ness traveling to the remote island to collect hundreds of birds for food.

While the practice is deeply rooted in local cultural history, it has faced increasing scrutiny from animal welfare advocates and environmental groups who question the sustainability and ethics of the harvest. The decision to deny the permit marks a significant shift in the regulation of this traditional activity. Currently, there is no public statement from the organizers regarding whether they intend to appeal the decision or seek alternative arrangements for the upcoming season. The government has not provided a detailed public breakdown of the specific criteria that led to the permit denial, leaving the future of the tradition uncertain.