(1)The Scottish Ministers must prepare a code of practice for the purpose of providing guidance about managing land to which a section 16AA licence relates.
(2)A code of practice may, in particular, provide guidance on—
(a)how land should be managed to reduce disturbance of and harm to any wild animal, wild bird and wild plant (including the use of medicated grit for such purposes),
(b)how the taking or killing of any wild birds should be carried out,
(c)how predators should be controlled.
(3)The Scottish Ministers must review the current code of practice by the end of every review period.
(4)Following a review, the Scottish Ministers may revise the current code of practice.
(5)Before making, reviewing or revising a code of practice the Scottish Ministers must consult—
(a)Scottish Natural Heritage,
(b)such other persons as they consider likely to be interested in or affected by the management of land to which a section 16AA licence relates.
(6)Subsection (5)(a) does not apply during any period for which the functions under this section are delegated to Scottish Natural Heritage under section 16AD.
(7)As soon as practicable after the latest version of the code of practice is made, it must be made publicly available.
(8)In this section, “review period” means—
(a)in relation to the first review, the period of 5 years starting on the day on which subsection (1) is complied with, and
(b)each subsequent period of 5 years.]
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 16AA-16AF inserted (1.7.2024 for the insertion of ss. 16AC and 16AD, 22.7.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 (asp 4), ss. 10(2), 35(2) (with s. 30); S.S.I. 2024/168, sch. Pts. 1, 2