Last week we blogged about the continuing controversy over RSPB Scotland’s decision to once again hold their Scottish Birdfair at Hopetoun House. In defence of their decision, RSPB Scotland made the following statement:
“In essence the Hopetoun House site is owned by an independent charity – and has been for many years“.
We argued that RSPB Scotland were being disingenuous by failing to mention that the Earl of Hopetoun is the Deputy Chairman of this ‘independent’ charity, the Hopetoun House Preservation Trust (HHPT) (see here).
Since then, we decided to look a bit closer at the stated independence of this charity. Thanks to Andy Wightman, we’ve obtained a copy of the HHPT’s most recent Consolidated Report and Accounts (dated 31 December 2011). It’s quite revealing.
The report lists the HHPT trustees. We already knew that the Earl of Hopetoun was the Deputy Chairman, but what we didn’t know is that the Earl, and his father, as well as being ex officio trustees, are also members of the Executive Committee, along with two of the other seven trustees.
So what? Well, according to this report, under the heading ‘Structure, Governance and Management’ (page 3):
“The Trust [HHPT] is controlled by a Board of Trustees which meets twice a year. The Executive Committee, which meets regularly, is responsible for the day to day running of the trust“.
It’s funny, but in everday use the term ‘independent’ is usually used to mean unconnected, autonomous, unallied, ‘free from all ties’. Does this term accurately reflect the relationship between the Hopetoun family (who own Leadhills Estate) and the Hopetoun House Preservation Trust (the management body of the Scottish Birdfair venue)?
For the benefit of the decision-makers at RSPB Scotland, a copy of the report is provided here:
By the way, at the end of last week’s article we said we’d soon be blogging again about Leadhills Estate and that readers should prepare to be shocked (or not). Just to clarify, today’s blog entry is not the article to which we referred. That one’s coming up soon…
Raptor Persecution UK 
It sounds like the RSPB have been conned.
They won’t admit it though.
Have RSPB still not offered an explanation why they made the decission to choose Hopetoun when there are so many….more effective…venues available. There must be a reason for the choice?
For a long time, I have heard nothing but bad stories concerning the Leadhills Estate, from a friend who has had a very long connection with area. In my opinion, a no-fly zone for birds of prey or anything that may offer a threat to game birds. I have been a supporter of the RSPB for a good number of years, however, due to this “blindspot” of theirs regarding the holding of the Birdfair, I cancelled my subscription membership. I do make donations for specific projects, e.g. land purchase or saving some endangered bird species. My respect for their determined and dedicated field officers, and for those among its lay members, who give time and money to assist in its conservation and recording work, is boundless.
Sometimes an organisation can have some of its senior staff or an individual, get too close to the “enemy”. Many years ago, I used to raise funds for a major wildlife conservation group, but found that one of its officers, with whom I was in contact quite frequently, was a blood sports participant. About the same time, a prestigious academic activist for saving wildlife and the environment, and who was never out of the news, made an unwise statement, that the hunting movement was a big factor in conserving the natural world in the UK. He was supportive of trophy hunting in Africa, as it ensured the survival of endangered species in his eyes. He instantly lost his credibility in the eyes of those who wanted an end to the barbarism of slaughtering wildlife as a sport. The trophy hunters, and those who supply exotic meats, have become big players in the “industrialised” killing of the world’s fauna, e.g. lion meat.
I think the public has to be ruthless, by withholding its donations and support for any charitable organisation that is not adhering strictly to an ethical policy. To use the services of the likes of Hopetoun and thereby give it revenue, is either grossly naive, or just plain disregardful of the feelings of the generously caring public.
However, if it were not for the RSPB and other big groups, and their sincere, courageous and hard-working staffs, there would be very little left of the world’s wildlife. They should be careful as to whom they employ in the decision-making side, and their possible connections with those who are acting in a detrimental way to the survival or our priceless birds of prey. It will be an angry public pressure that will be the nemesis of those who persecute our wildlife heritage. My sentiments apply also to those Trojan Horses in Government and consultative services thereof, who ensure the weakness of laws and their application, regarding the killing of endangered species and ones likely to become so.
You could argue that the RSPB were conned if this was the first year it had happened, but everything that we’ve said this year was said last year too- yet they didn’t take heed. My suspicion is that there’s something bigger going on in the background, some ‘bigger picture’ that the RSPB has prioritised.
Glen Ogil or Millden Estate next year maybe?
You do have to question where the hierarchy of the RSPB place their true alliances when it comes to who they prefer to associate and deal with. It seems to me that when you look at some of the strange events that they have been involved with this last few years, in particular, at Bowland and Hopetoun. In both these areas the real losers are the Raptors, is this is the real motive, it does make you wonder who is pulling their strings.
The connection between Leadhills Grousemoor and Hopetoun house just gets closer and closer and a massive thank you is due to Raptor Persecution Scotland for researching and highlighting this scandal.
It seems incredible that the only people who refuse to accept this are Stuart Housden and the rest of the RSPB Scotland hierarchy.
I can’t help feeling that this is now a case of stubbornness and a refusal on the part of RSPB to simply admit they have got this wrong and make a statement that this Birdfair will not be held at Hopetoun House again.
Many people have contacted them and asked why Hopetoun House? many have boycotted the Birdfair and some have even terminated their memberships but still they will not bend on this issue.
In this case RSPB seem to have forgotten that they are driven by their members subscriptions and a large amount of taxpayers money through their SNH grant.
A true case of the tail wagging the dog!
Let’s hope RSPB Scotland will see sense and look for an alternative venue for 2014
Ronnie Graham
Ronnie wrote:- “In this case RSPB seem to have forgotten that they are driven by their members subscriptions and a large amount of taxpayers money through their SNH grant.”
It never ceases to amaze me how organisations that are publically funded, whether through voluntary contributions or taxation, develop a stance where they become neither accountable or transparent to those who pay for their very existence. In fact, they seem to adopt an arrogant stance that suggests ” How dare these people who have subsidised us be so disrespectful as to ask questions”.
Of course its always possible that because of the big grant from SNH- that SNH could actually be “suggesting” Hopetoun House is the place to be…..