News

New threat to Scottish sporrans

By Campbell Gunn

TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH sporrans are under threat from Government proposals, according to Scottish Conservatives.

They’re now calling on the Scottish Government to publish guidance for Scottish businesses involved in the manufacture and rental of sporrans. The Conservatives claim that from August a ban will come into force on the sale or rental of products made from seal skin, including sporrans.

They point out that concerns have been raised by many in the industry who have yet to be given advice on whether or not they will be able to continue to sell or rent their current stock, and whether seal skins from future licensed kills can be used to manufacture sporrans.

North East Scotland Conservative MSP Nanette Milne said there were many industries in Scotland involved in Scottish national dress.

Seal skin

“Under the proposals retailers and sporran manufacturers will not be able to sell or rent seal skin sporrans and it’s still unclear if they’ll be able to carry on using their current stock,” she said. 

“Potentially, under the proposals a patriotic rugby supporter walking to Murrayfield could be questioned on where they have bought their sporran.

“And come January the police could be sent in to raid Burns Suppers across the country. Scottish Conservatives are demanding that guidelines are issued.

“I hope a common sense approach will prevail and that SNP ministers will support the Highland dress industry, otherwise many small businesses which currently rent out Scottish national dress face losing business.” 

George Bowden of Bowdens of Edinburgh said he was still unsure from the legislation if shops were going to be banned from selling existing products they had in stock.

“And if so how we will be compensated?” he asked. “Also, are we going to be able to continue to hire out seal skin sporrans? If not, who’s going to pay for the replacements?

Survival threat

“With regard to the sporran manufacturers, I know some of ours have up to 18 months worth of skins in stock. If they have to write off these skins some of them will not survive.

“Seals are highly sustainable and the culls are done to keep the world’s numbers in check. The skins are a commercial by-product.”

However, a Scottish Government spokesperson pointed out this was an EC proposal which is to be implemented by the UK Government department, Defra, after public consultation.

“It follows concerns from animal welfare NGOs, lobby groups and the public about the perceived inhumane nature of seal hunting,” he added. “We do not expect this to have a significant impact on the industry in Scotland, as sporrans are made with a range of materials. The proposal will only affect new products to the market.

“If a kilt hire shop has a stock of seal skin sporrans, which can be added to before August 10, they can hire them out for as long as they last. The Scottish Government fully supports our businesses and will work with the industry to ensure the full implications of the proposals are understood.”