Scottish Conservatives promise new wildlife fund for farmers

The party’s rural affairs spokesman, Tim Eagle, said feedback from farmers had highlighted increasing problems linked to species such as beavers and white-tailed eagles.

He said the proposed “wildlife co-existence fund” would aim to deliver fairer and more flexible compensation than current arrangements.

“Following the reintroduction of beavers and white-tailed eagles we are seeing rising numbers of incidents being reported by farmers and crofters across the country,” he said.

“The SNP have been painfully slow to make any real changes to their current scheme despite organisations such as the National Sheep Association raising significant concerns.”

Mr Eagle said while environmental considerations must be recognised, the impact on working farms could not be overlooked. He pointed to issues in the Tay catchment, where beaver activity has been linked to riverbank damage and field flooding.

“We are also seeing reports of lambs being taken by white-tailed eagles, particularly on the west coast and islands, and these are gradually increasing in number and spreading further across the country,” he added.

“These are magnificent birds and can add to tourism, but it is crofters and farmers who are bearing the cost.”

The Conservatives argue the current system is failing to reflect the real-world impact of wildlife reintroductions and needs replaced with a scheme that is less bureaucratic and better aligned with on-farm realities.

Mr Eagle said any future approach must go beyond financial support, with greater input from local communities.

“This has to be about more than compensation alone,” he said.

“It must be flexible, practical and ensure that local people have a clear voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods.”

He added that, regardless of the outcome of the next election, he would continue to press the issue at Holyrood and push for what he described as 'real, workable solutions' for rural Scotland.