“Hill farmers and crofters cannot plan lambing without certainty,” warns Union.
NFU Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to urgently confirm continued funding for the Sea Eagle Management Scheme, warning that without funding and scheme commitments, many hill and upland sheep businesses will be unable to plan for lambing.
The Union, which met with Argyll hill farmer David Colthart and NatureScot staff last week, said the situation is becoming critical as farmers prepare for one of the most vulnerable periods of the year.
Sea eagle predation continues to cause significant losses on hill farms, with repeated concerns about lambs being taken, attacks on ewes, and disruption to flock behaviour. The existing Scheme provides monitoring, mitigation support, and financial assistance, but future funding has not yet been confirmed.
Geese also continue to impact farms and crofts, reducing available grazing and adding pressure at a critical time. NFU Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to review the current goose management scheme and confirm increased funding for goose management alongside the Sea Eagle Management Scheme, ensuring NatureScot has the resources to protect grazing and livestock, and maintain the long-term viability of farm and croft businesses.
NFUS Vice-President Duncan Macalister said:
“Although farmers and crofters are a few months away from lambing, they are making decisions right now about flock management, grazing plans and staffing.
Without a commitment to continued funding, they are being asked to plan blind. If funding is not confirmed imminently, the uncertainty will undermine animal welfare, business planning and the viability of some of our most fragile upland communities.”
He added:
“Furthermore, goose management needs to be addressed urgently. Delays in developing new schemes for goose management are causing huge concern. The government has repeatedly acknowledged the seriousness of sea eagle and goose impacts. We now need that recognition backed by action.”
During a meeting in Argyll recently, NFUS heard directly from farmers and crofters - and from NatureScot officers working on the sea-eagle scheme. All emphasised that early clarity is essential.
Last year’s late decision-making resulted in cashflow and operational challenges for many businesses participating in the scheme.
NFUS warns that a repeat in 2026 would jeopardise:
- Lambing and grazing management plans
- Investment decisions and staffing
- The confidence of farmers attempting to coexist with conflict species
- The credibility of Government-led mitigation schemes
Duncan Macalister, Vice President added:
“Farmers and crofters want to work constructively with Government and with NatureScot. But they cannot do that if decisions come too late to be useful. We need a commitment, and we need it now.”
NOTE TO EDITOR
- A headshot of Duncan Macalister is attached.
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Contact Megan Williams on 07920 018619