Scotland’s native wildlife could be seeing the return of a long-lost species as the Lynx to Scotland partnership launches a series of community and stakeholder discussions about the potential reintroduction of lynx to the northern region. This partnership, made up of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Trees for Life, and The Lifescape Project, has been assessing the feasibility of bringing lynx back to the Highlands through a carefully planned and monitored process.
The partnership recognizes the importance of gaining broad acceptance from local communities and stakeholders before moving forward with a reintroduction. To achieve this, dozens of events will be held in Highland and Moray to gather information and opinions on the benefits and concerns that would come with the return of the lynx.
According to studies, the region has suitable habitat for up to 250 lynx, with enough woodland and prey to support a thriving population. These elusive cats, about the size of a labrador, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by preying on deer. Their reintroduction could bring significant benefits for biodiversity, landscapes, and communities, while also helping to manage deer numbers and potentially boosting tourism.
However, the partnership also recognizes the potential negative impacts that need to be carefully managed. Any reintroduction would begin with a small number of lynx, up to 20 in total, being released gradually over several years. Long-term monitoring through tracking collars and camera traps would be essential to track any negative impacts and ensure the benefits are maximized.
Lisa Chilton, chief executive of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, states that Scotland has lost more of its native wildlife than almost any other country and that reintroducing lynx could help restore balance and bring new life to the Highland and Moray landscapes. However, she stresses the importance of doing this in a responsible and considered way that addresses questions and concerns.
A study conducted by Lynx to Scotland in 2021 found a range of views among stakeholders but also an appetite to learn more. This led to a National Lynx Discussion in 2024, where conclusions and recommendations were agreed upon by 53 cross-sector stakeholders, including farmer and landowner organizations, gamekeepers, foresters, tourism operators, and conservationists.
Now, Lynx to Scotland is inviting local people, organizations, and land managers to share their views and help design the management frameworks that would minimize any unwanted impacts and maximize the benefits of a reintroduction. Adam Eagle, chief executive of Lifescape, emphasizes the importance of hearing from those living and working in the regions where lynx could potentially be reintroduced.
Information about the public events, which will run for a month, is being mailed to 89,000 households across 37 postcodes. The first public information sessions will be held on January 26, 2026. The sessions will include an exhibition, opportunities to chat with staff and ask questions, and a questionnaire. In the spring, there will be further opportunities for individual discussions and meetings between organizations.
For more information and a complete list of the information sessions, visit lynxtoscotland.org.
