Read on Twitter
To slightly develop what I said yesterday about Leadhills. I am not privy to any inside information on this and can go only on published sources. LACS claim the Carbofuran container was found by one of their 'investigators' . I have no reason to doubt this. 1/10
Whether that bares on its value as evidence of an offence is hard to say without a lot more detailed knowledge of what followed. But LACS is a campaigning organisation with a motive to manipulate evidence. It is not in anyway impartial. 2/10
However, Leadhills has got very substantial previous for wildlife crime including use of Carbofuran. This offences have continued until quite recently and it is currently is not allowed to use the General licences for Scotland due to evidence of wildlife crime. 3/10
Bluntly I trust neither party. Both have a history of deceptive behaviour. Currently Leadhills has wrapped the truth about who owns and manages it in an onion of secrecy. I fail to see why this approach would be necessary if it is an honest enterprise. 4/10
However, LACS has a long history of all sorts of dirty tricks. I will leave this to others to go into, but I do not trust them as far as I could throw them. 5/10
So I suggest we look at what is established common ground and the results of the Police investigation.
As far as I can see there is no suggestion that the carbofuran was planted.
The estate said 6/10
As far as I can see there is no suggestion that the carbofuran was planted.
The estate said 6/10
"From our discussions with Police Scotland, it would appear the disposal of the container found dates back many, many years prior to the estate having direct responsibility for land management.
"
Which suggests they are taking responsibility. 7/10
"
Which suggests they are taking responsibility. 7/10
However it is also clear that no-one has actually been arrested or identified as 'in possession' which suggests that this was not in workshop or keeper's pick up.
I suspect there is substantial missing information still to come into the public domain. 8/10
I suspect there is substantial missing information still to come into the public domain. 8/10
If I was to speculate I would guess that what has been found is an abandoned container, possibly one that was lost or concealed some time ago. That would most closely fit the facts.
However it is hard to see any reason why Leadhills would have had it in the past 9/10
However it is hard to see any reason why Leadhills would have had it in the past 9/10
If it was not to use it in the commission of crimes.
10/10
10/10
