Call for more timely help for farmers hit by sea eagle attacks
Farmers and crofters have called for more timely intervention to help them mitigate against the impacts of white-tailed eagle predation on lambs.
The Scottish Government announced that support to help sheep producers who have lost livestock to sea eagles will continue for 2024.
However, the farmers’ union said that while the news was welcome, it would like earlier guarantees in future years.
Up to £400,000 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 £5000 to help manage the effects of the species as part of 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 both the mental and financial toll that eagle attacks are having on them and their businesses.
“I hope this news provides some much-needed reassurance for farmers. I know that 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 (SEMS).”
NFU Scotland said the news of the funding was welcome, but said it would look for improvements in the scheme for 2025 that could avoid any unnecessary delays.
Hill farmer David Colthart, chair of Argyll and Lochaber Sea Eagle Stakeholder group, said: “It’s very good news that Scottish Government officials have finally allowed NatureScot to issue contracts to more than 200 farmers and crofters that have been impacted by white-tailed eagle predation on their livestock.
“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. 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 WTE predation and the need for the timely release of contracts ahead of lambing starting being guaranteed in the future.”
