A major public consultation has been launched to gauge opinion on a potentially groundbreaking plan to reintroduce the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands. A coalition of rewilding charities is spearheading the effort, arguing the return of the native wild cat could deliver substantial ecological benefits for the region.
Public Engagement and Government Stance
The initiative, led by the Lynx to Scotland partnership, will see a programme of public engagement commence on January 26, 2026. More than 40 events are scheduled across the Highlands and Moray to gather local views. Some 89,000 households will also receive information by post in January.
However, the project faces a significant political hurdle. The Scottish Government has stated it does not intend to permit the reintroduction of lynx or other large carnivores in the foreseeable future. A government spokeswoman cited concerns over potential negative impacts on farms and rural communities.
The Case for the Lynx's Return
The partnership, which has been studying a potential reintroduction scheme since 2020, believes the north of Scotland could support a population of up to 250 lynx. They emphasise the animals pose no threat to people and would primarily prey on deer, potentially helping to manage overpopulated herds and restore ecological balance.
Lynx were native to the area but were hunted to extinction several hundred years ago. Steve Micklewright, Chief Executive of Trees for Life, said: "Northern Scotland can support a thriving population of lynx, but social acceptance is just as important." His charity recently assisted in the reintroduction of beavers to the Highlands in November and has ambitions for similar projects involving red squirrels and tauros cattle.
Essential Steps and Cautious Optimism
Any formal reintroduction would require a licence from the government agency NatureScot. The proposed scheme would start with a small group of around 20 lynx, with numbers gradually increasing if successful.
Lisa Chilton, Chief Executive of Scotland: The Big Picture, framed the debate within a wider context: "Scotland has lost more of its native wildlife than almost any other country." She added that reintroducing lynx could help restore natural processes but stressed it must be done "in a considered, responsible way that addresses questions and concerns."
The coming months of consultation will be crucial in determining whether the vision of lynx once again roaming the Highland forests moves closer to reality or remains a distant prospect.
