Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has made it clear—lynx will not be legally reintroduced into the wild under his government. His statement comes after the illegal release of four of the animals in the Cairngorms last month, an incident that has reignited debate over balancing conservation efforts with rural concerns.
A Contentious Debate
Lynx once roamed Britain but were wiped out due to hunting and habitat loss between 500 and 1,000 years ago. Some conservation groups have been pushing for their controlled reintroduction, arguing that the species could help restore ecological balance. However, farmers and rural communities remain wary, fearing the impact on livestock and the broader agricultural economy.
Speaking at the NFU Scotland conference, Swinney dismissed the idea entirely: “The recent illegal release of four lynx was both reckless and posed a serious risk to the welfare of those animals released. My government will not be reintroducing lynx, or indeed any other large carnivorous species in Scotland.”
Lessons from Previous Reintroductions
Scotland has already seen mixed results from species reintroduction efforts. The white-tailed sea eagle, brought back to Scottish skies, has led to unintended consequences, including predation on lambs. Farmers at the conference pointed to the reintroduction of beavers, which they claim have caused hundreds of thousands of pounds in damages to farmland and infrastructure.
Swiney acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need for a careful approach. “We’ve got to balance action on climate change, food production, and rural investment. I don’t see the reintroduction of lynx being compatible with that balanced agenda.”
Where Did the Lynx Come From?
December saw a bizarre series of events unfold in the Scottish Highlands. Two Eurasian lynx were spotted on the loose in the Cairngorms, eventually captured in traps near Kingussie. Shortly after, two more were discovered roaming free. One of the animals died after being recaptured, and all four were reportedly suffering from starvation. They are now being cared for at Edinburgh Zoo, but the mystery remains—where did they come from?
Authorities are investigating. A Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) licence is required to keep lynx, yet Highland Council has confirmed that no premises in the area have applied for or hold such a licence. Scotland’s nature agency, NatureScot, also stated that it had not granted any permits for lynx reintroduction.
Conservationists Push Back
Despite government opposition, some conservationists argue that bringing lynx back is a necessary step in restoring Scotland’s biodiversity. Peter Cairns of the Lynx to Scotland Project highlighted global examples where humans have learned to coexist with predators. “If countries like Uganda or Sri Lanka can manage to live alongside elephants, leopards, or lions, it’s hard to argue that Scotland can’t accommodate a medium-sized cat like the lynx.”
Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life, also weighed in. “Scotland is one of a handful of European countries still lacking a large terrestrial predator. If we are serious about tackling the nature and climate emergencies, we need lynx back.”
Public opinion on the matter remains divided. While some Scots favor a managed reintroduction, farmers and rural communities remain skeptical. For now, the official stance is clear—Scotland’s wilderness will remain lynx-free.
