Scottish communities in Highland and Moray gather to discuss lynx reintroduction

Over the last few months, a discussion has been taking place around the prospects, benefits, and barriers of returning the Eurasian lynx to Scotland. The European Nature Trust is a supporter of the idea, and a partner with the Lynx to Scotland initiative – which is assessing through a stakeholder-led process, the feasibility of reintroduction to the Scottish Highlands.

Since 2020, the partnership has been assessing whether the Scottish public has the appetite for reintroduction, and how lynx could return through a carefully managed reintroduction process. The most recent activity has been a respectful local stakeholder discussion process, which saw more than 42 public events take place across areas identified as ecologically suitable for reintroduction.

What is the ecological story?

Scientific modelling and expert analysis suggest that Scotland’s landscapes could support a restored population of Eurasian lynx, a medium-sized wild cat that disappeared from Britain centuries ago. The Lifescape Project’s ecological study looked at how lynx might survive and spread if reintroduced, taking into account habitat, prey, movement, and long-term population dynamics.

The results show that Scotland has enough connected woodland and roe deer – the lynx’s main food source – to sustain healthy numbers in both the north and south of the country. Populations could gradually grow and disperse across suitable forests, particularly if releases are made in multiple, well-chosen locations rather than just one. Connectivity between habitats is important, and major roads or low-quality landscapes can slow movement, but overall the landscape isn’t a barrier too great for lynx expansion.

Modelling also highlights that releasing a sufficient number of animals from diverse genetic backgrounds improves long-term survival, and that normal threats like road deaths aren’t likely to stop a population from persisting. While ecological feasibility looks promising, scientists stress that these findings assume careful planning and ongoing monitoring once lynx are released.

What is the social story?

Social feasibility is as important as ecology in discussions about bringing the lynx back. In 2020, work in communities and among stakeholders undertaken by the Vincent Wildlife Trust for Lynx to Scotland showed that views

ranged from enthusiastic support to cautious opposition, with many perspectives more nuanced than simply “for” or “against.” Key social concerns included the potential for lynx to prey on sheep and how that might affect farming livelihoods. Recommendations emerging from the discussions emphasise the need for collaboration with local communities, practical support systems (such as compensation for livestock losses or proactive coexistence payments), and strong, well-funded plans to manage interactions between lynx and people.

Many participants also recognised potential community benefits – such as boosts to ecotourism, wellbeing from reconnecting with wild nature and broader contributions to nature recovery goals. But whatever direction Scotland takes, the report stressed that sustained public engagement, transparent consultation, and joint problem-solving are essential foundations for any future reintroduction approach.

This approach was endorsed by a nine-month National Lynx Discussion in 2024. This brought together 53 diverse stakeholders – including farmers, landowners, gamekeepers, foresters, tourism operators, conservationists and rural communities – to explore concerns and opportunities around lynx reintroduction. Participants spent many hours considering evidence, learning from lynx reintroductions in Europe, and discussing how people and lynx might coexist in the Highlands. The group made recommendations about how reintroduction should take place and all agreed that the next stage was local consultation.

A key step: Building a granular view of the local social landscape on lynx reintroduction

This led to some 42 public events being held in early 2026 to share information and gather views on both the benefits and concerns of bringing back this iconic native species, in areas that were identified as ecologically suitable for reintroduction.

The discussions addressed potential ecosystem benefits—such as helping manage deer and boosting tourism—alongside possible impacts like sheep predation, impacts (beneficial or negative) on agriculture and commercial forestry. Over 89,000 local households were contacted about the sessions, which included exhibitions, talks and questionnaires to help shape future management plans.

What are the overall aims of the Lynx to Scotland project?

Identify socio-economic barriers to lynx reintroduction and determine whether these can be overcome.

Compile the evidence required to justify lynx reintroduction addressing ecological, socio-economic and other benefits.

Mainstream the concept of lynx reintroduction in wider Scottish society and among decision-makers.

Assemble the evidence required to submit a licence application to release lynx, if appropriate.

Want to learn more about Eurasian lynx?

Our partners at SCOTLAND: The Big Picture have produced an excellent set of stories that help to explain lynx ecology, and what practical coexistence looks like. These are available as free learning materials here.

On 15th April 2026, you can even join a Rewilding Learning Day with Dr Hugh Webster and Dan Puplett, to discover what it might be like to live alongside a reintroduced lynx population in Scotland. Book your place here.