Conviction of poachers

We understand, that the destruction of Game, by Poachers, during the late heavy falls of snow, has been great to an extent almost beyond belief in many parts of the country, particularly on some of the Earl of Fyfe's Estates.  A man of the name of Cruickshank, a Carrier in Turriff, was convicted last year before the Justices in the Statutory Penalty, for killing game on the Estate of Delgaty, which it was hoped would have operated as a salutory example in that part of the country; but it seems to have had little effect, as the work of destruction still goes on.  David Sim, Farm Servant at Balquhindachy, near Turriff, was lately detected shooting on the same Estate; and a man named William Duncan at Plaidy, on the Estate of Fishery.  They were both last week convicted before the Justices, the former fined in £100 Scots, and the latter in £20 Scots, besides forfeiture of the Gun.  The Gentlemen in that neighbourhood have determined to use the strictest vigilance in detecting these depredators, and punishing them with the utmost rigour.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 20th March 1816.