BY JACKIE MACKENZIE
The first round of community consultations in Lochalsh into a proposed reintroduction of lynx concluded this week with promoters saying the sessions had raised “curiosity, concern and support”.
Drop-in events were held in Inverinate last Thursday and in Stromeferry and Achmore Hall on Tuesday to gather local views on a return of the wild cats, an initiative led by the Lynx to Scotland partnership.
A total of 42 engagement sessions are taking place across Highland through until the end of February.
A partnership between three charities, Lynx to Scotland believes Highland and Moray has enough woodland and wild prey, such as roe deer, to support up to 250 of the wild cats.
This week a spokesperson from Lynx to Scotland said: “Our local information sessions have attracted strong interest and high attendance across Highland and Moray so far, providing us with an unprecedented opportunity to hear from the public first-hand on the subject of lynx.
“Discussions have been constructive and wide-ranging, reflecting a mix of curiosity, concern and support. People have been spending at least 30 minutes at the sessions and sometimes more, taking the time to explore the materials and share their detailed feedback.”
The plan, however, is strongly opposed by farmers, crofters, and NFU Scotland which says the proposal is “wholly unacceptable” and poses serious risks to livestock welfare, farm businesses and fragile rural communities.
Last year, following the illegal release of four lynx in the Cairngorms, a move which was condemned by Lynx to Scotland, First Minister John Swinney told an NFU Scotland conference: “My government will not be introducing lynx, or indeed any other large carnivorous species in Scotland.”
Further consultations by Lynx to Scotland will be held at Stromeferry and Achmore Village Hall on Tuesday 17th February, 5-8.30pm, and Inverinate Hall on Friday 20th February, 5-8.30pm.