A new three-year scheme has been launched to support farmers and crofters whose livestock are attacked by sea eagles.
The sea eagle management scheme, which will run from 2015 to 2018, will be managed by local stakeholder groups and administered by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
The scheme will run across three areas – Argyll and Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh, and Wester Ross – although more could be created if demand arises.
Stakeholder groups in each area will investigate all issues involving sea eagle impacts on livestock.
They will trial prevention measures where they are required and provide support to farmers and crofters through provision of contractors, the loan of equipment and payments to land managers who carry out prevention measures.
“We’d like to ask all farmers and crofters who experience issues with sea eagles and livestock to contact their local SNH office,” said the scheme’s manager, Ross Lilley.
“The staff at the local SNH office will arrange for someone to respond and investigate on behalf of the local stakeholder group.”
NFU Scotland member and chair of the stakeholder group in Argyll and Lochaber, Lachie Maclean, who farms in Mull, said: “Funding for the new scheme has been substantially increased compared to the previous scheme and is another action implemented from the NFUS/SNH joint statement agreed last year.
“The sea eagle scheme panel are keen to record all incidents of reported sea eagle impacts as the sea eagle population continues to expand into its former range. Only by thoroughly understanding the part sea eagles play in livestock losses can we work together with partners to help develop ways to deal with any losses in the longer term.”
Stakeholder groups managing the scheme will be made up of representatives from SNH, NFU Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, the Scottish Crofting Federation and the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate.