The Scottish Government has approved £400,000 to be shared between more than 200 farmers and crofters impacted by predatory white-tailed eagles.
The cash has been allocated to the Sea Eagle Management Scheme (SEMS) to help farmers explore different management techniques and trial new prevention measures.
Land managers in receipt of financial support through long-term management agreements as part of the scheme have been assured payments will continue this year.
White-tailed sea eagles are a protected species that prey on sheep, particularly in western parts of Scotland. Farmers can receive between £500 and £5,000 to help manage the effects of the species as part of the Sea Eagle Management Scheme (SEMS).
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “This funding is vital in balancing our efforts to protect Scotland’s natural environment with the needs of rural communities.
“I’ve spoken to many farmers who have experienced these disruptive attacks. They have expressed their frustrations and I fully understand the mental and financial toll eagle attacks are having on them and their businesses.
“I hope this news provides much-needed reassurance for farmers. I know the support will help them to continue to find ways to mitigate against the effects of sea eagles on flocks.”
Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot’s Director of Green Economy, said: “We recognise that white-tailed eagles can cause economic impacts to farms and crofts in some locations and are committed to continuing to run the Sea Eagle Management Scheme.
“We are pleased the scheme has been allocated funding for 2024 to provide support to those affected. We are currently working to get management agreements in place and will be in touch directly with those affected as soon as possible.”
Commenting on the announcement, Argyll hill farmer David Colthart, chairman of Argyll and Lochaber Sea Eagle Stakeholder group, said: “I welcome the news that SEMS funding has been released and would look to improvements in the scheme for 2025 that could avoid any unnecessary delays in the future.
“With eagles already actively predating lambs in lambing parks, the funding for mitigation measures and management will be a relief.
“However, it was disappointing that lambing was already in full swing when confirmation that scheme commitments would be funded was announced.
"As the current scheme is being reviewed for 2025, it has highlighted the importance of making appropriate changes to the scheme to reflect the increased costs to businesses of white-tailed eagle predation and the need for the timely release of contracts ahead of lambing starting being guaranteed in future.”
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.