RSPB set to step up purge of Orkney's stoats by appointing new officer to aid the cull

As I’ve said many if this has to be done and there is no other way. and these decisions have to be made. I never get sentimental over wildlife. I take a pragmatic approach to wildlife conservation management, To much sentiment at times!

But did the RSPB have the courtesy to sound out the views of Orkney residents?

I think you'll find all the answers to your questions on the Project's website https://www.orkneynativewildlife.org.uk/ 

It's been running for several years now, is a partnership between a number of organisations (including the local council) and had an 84% backing from residents when they performed a survey at the start of the project. There's an email address for any questions not answered by the website itself on the homepage

Publication 2015 - SNH Commissioned Report 871 - Stoat (Mustela erminea) on the Orkney Islands - assessing the risks to native species.pdf

This was a detailed publication as well about this same subject  in 2015. All wildlife conservation organisations have had to make difficult  decisions at times. It’s not all straightforward. Deer have had to be controlled at Leighton Moss in the past. Too large a populations of deer with damage to the reedbeds.This has always happened with conservation. Difficult decisions have to be made at times. I was going  to send this link yesterday but arrived home late on Sunday evening after a long day out birdwatching locally.