Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has urged caution following representations from concerned farmers about the possibility of re-introducing the lynx to Scotland including Kintyre.
His intervention follows feedback received from Councillor Alastair Redman (Scottish Conservative, Kintyre and the Islands Ward) who has also been contacted by constituents concerned about the proposal.
Cllr Redman said: “Livestock farmers in Kintyre are very concerned that an apex predator like the lynx, which is quite capable of killing sheep, could be introduced locally.
“I have discussed this at length at my surgeries in Kintyre and I have every sympathy with the wishes of farmers to protect their stock from the possibility of attack.
“We have all seen the results of dogs attacking lambs and sheep and we cannot have a situation where this could be made even worse.”
Donald Cameron MSP said: “The reintroduction of native species which have become extinct should only be contemplated following extensive consultations with all interested parties, and that must include land managers, farmers and crofters who stand to be most affected.
"Having spoken to many in the farming sector whose livestock are already suffering from predation from other wild species, I'm very sceptical indeed about reintroducing lynx to Argyll.
“I know that the Lynx UK Trust has already suggested trialling lynx reintroduction into Kielder Forest in Northumberland but the proposal was turned down by the UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove who said that there was not sufficient evidence of local buy-in for the proposal and neither had there been adequate research into the ecological impact of lynx introduction.
“If it’s not good enough for Northumberland then, it’s hard to see why it's suitable for Argyll or indeed anywhere else in Scotland either.
“Bringing back former native species can be a very positive thing, but only if such projects command widespread public support and are properly funded and supported by the relevant agencies.
“We should not undermine trust in this process by initiating schemes which have not been properly thought through or assessed.”
