Man denies shooting peregrine falcon at Braco Castle

Jan 15 2010 Strathearn Herald

A WEST Perthshire man has denied recklessly shooting and killing a hybrid peregrine falcon on a local estate.

The offence, brought under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, is alleged to have taken place at Braco Castle Estate on February 19, 2009.

Alexander Gordon McKinlay (47), of Keltie Place, Doune, had his preliminary hearing continued at Perth Sheriff Court until January 28.

His trial has been set down for February 4.

He also denied an alternative charge of maliciously shooting and killing the protected bird.

McKinlay has also denied stealing a falconry transmitter at the estate on February 19.

A third charge, also denied, alleges that between February 22 and 23, 2009, again at the estate, he offered an envelope containing £200 to Lynn Hallgarth as compensation for the loss of the falcon – and the transmitter.

The charge further alleges that the lives of people on the estate would be “made difficult” if the police were contacted and that he attempted to pervert the course of justice.