Highlands MSPs clash over Lynx reintroduction

Regional Conservative MSP Edward Mountain asked the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairle, what discussions the Scottish Government has had regarding the potential reintroduction of the species on farmers and crofters. 

Mr Fairlie stated that the government has no plans to reintroduce the species, adding that any proposal for reintroduction would require further and extensive examination. 

The question resulted in several Highlands  MSPs raising supplementary points including; Green MSP Arianne Burgess and Conservative MSP Tim Eagle. 

Ms Burgess argued that lynx reintroduction could be considered, given the Scottish Government’s position on transitioning towards sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

She said: “Has the Government carried out any assessments of the potential benefits of restoring lynx to Scotland. If not, why not?”

The Minister reiterated that the policy was not currently being considered and that he had not considered the points put to him by Ms Burgess. 

During Mr Eagle’s remarks, he added: “I applaud the minister for not considering the reintroduction of lynx without the clear consent of affected communities.”

Lynx reintroduction remains controversial, with Scotland being one of the few places within the cats range where it is absent. 

The animal was driven to extinction by hunting and habitat loss several hundred years ago.  

Various consultations have taken place on the creatures reintroduction, including; the a Nation Lynx Discussion in 2024. 

The report provided a detailed analysis of what a potential  reintroduction would need to do, and drew on evidence from cross-sector stakeholders. 

A discussion on lynx reintroduction to northern Scotland was launched earlier this month by the Lynx to Scotland Partnership.