Young gannets – guga – are taken from open cliffs using a pole and noose, before being gutted, salted and preserved in brine. The paper published by NatureScot said the organisation “recognises the strength of feeling expressed by a wide range of stakeholders on animal welfare aspects. “The welfare of each individual gannet matters and it is encouraging that NatureScot considered animal welfare advice as part of this decision. Understanding of animal welfare has changed and no animal should die like this for food in Scotland in the 21st century.” In March, activists protested outside the Scottish Parliament as a petition to end the guga hunt passed 100,000 signatures.