Buddhist monks fight plans for shooting ranges near world-famous Scots sanctuary
BUDDHIST monks are fighting against plans for two shooting ranges near a world-famous Scottish sanctuary.
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The Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Eskdalemuir is an international centre of Buddhist training. Nearby farms are seeking council permission to create long-distance shooting ranges. The monks believe noise pollution will destroy their tranquil surroundings.
They have asked members of the public back their campaign and lodge complaints with the local authority.
Two neighbouring farms Clerkhill and Over Cassock have lodged an application with Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The closest Clerkhill is less than two miles from Samye Ling.
Both farms are seeking support from Dumfries and Galloway Council to allow shooting ranges.
Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche told Daily Record: “I will do anything to request and persuade these people not to bring firing ranges and shoot animals close to Samye Ling.”
“Samye Ling is a safe sanctuary for wildlife, so the firing ranges and bird shoots affect many small animals and little birds.”
“We have a lot of very tame birds in Samye Ling, it’s like a peaceful sanctuary for them. They are used to our peaceful environment and the sound of gunshots is terrifying for them all.
“Thousands of people come to Samye Ling for courses and to meditate. They all feel strongly opposed to this plan. I have many friends from around the world who are determined to raise their voices in opposition to it.”
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The Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery is home to around fifty monks, nuns and laypeople.
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Akong Tulku Rinpoche co-founded the first Tibetan centre in Scotland more than fifty years ago.
The monastery founded in the 60s attracts thousands of visitors every year. David Bowie was one of its early visitors.
A spokeswoman for Gardners Guns and Clerkhill Farm said a shooting range had operated for years in the area.
The current application was an opportunity to expand and boost the economy.
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George Birrell, who submitted the application for the Clerkhill site said: “The range proposed on Clerkhill farm is a world-class facility and would also bring opportunities and much needed income and employment.
“We estimate that the range would generate in excess of £500,000 for the local economy from the onset.”
The applicant at Over Cassock farm did not respond.
Additional reporting Sally Hind.
