Lynx effect prompts concern
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LYNX could be roaming a forest in the Huntly area later this year as part of plans to reintroduce the animal to the UK.
The Lynx Trust has launched a questionnaire to find out what people think, before it then asks Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) for permission to go ahead with trial releases.
One of the sites identified as a possible pilot area is the 415-acre unfenced Grumack Forest near the Cabrach, owned by Tony Marmont.
The Trust says the big cats prey mainly on deer, but are also known to take sheep and hares.
It is this threat to local sheep flocks which has brought the strongest reaction and farmer John Gordon, who has around 1,000 breeding ewes at Wellheads, said he was extremely worried about the proposal.
He said: “I would be very, very concerned if the scheme was given the go-ahead. These are predatory animals. The forest is unfenced and the lynx are agile animals, capable of travelling long distances. Any sheep in the periphery of the forest and indeed beyond would definitely be at risk.”
George Wordie, who also runs a large flock of breeding ewes and a suckler cow herd at nearby Cairnborrow echoed Mr Gordon’s concerns.
He said: “I would be worried not just for farm livestock but also domestic pets and potentially adults and children if out and about in the countryside.
Ron Macdonald, SNH’s director of policy and advice, said: “Engaging key organisations and members of the public is one of several key steps to assessing the feasibility and desirability of any possible reintroduction.
