Buddhist Monks Object To Plans For Two Shooting Ranges Next To Their World-renowned Scots Sanctuary.. Gie's Peace

Public appeal from leaders to stop gun fire at monastery

- Sally Hind

Buddhist monks who run a peace centre have hit out at plans for two shooting ranges next door – and claim the machine gun fire will destroy their calm haven.

Monks at the Kagyu Samye Ling monastery say their “precious haven of peace and harmony” will be “caught in the noise of gunfire” and have asked the public to back their fight.

The world-famous retreat, at Eskdalemuir in Dumfriesshire, has attracted thousands of visitors looking for spiritual guidance since it was founded in the 60s – including rock icon David Bowie.

But leaders say two applications lodged with Dumfries and Galloway Council for target shooting ranges at nearby Clerkhill and Over Cassock farms could be disastrous for their future if granted.