More support for Scottish farms affected by sea eagle predation
Livestock farmers and crofters affected by sea eagle predation are set to receive additional support through the Scottish government’s Sea Eagle Management Scheme (Sems).
White-tailed eagles, known for preying on lambs and young sheep in certain areas, have caused significant financial and emotional strain for affected farmers.
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In response, the Scottish government has allocated an extra £534,000 to NatureScot, increasing the total for Sems to £970,000 for the 2025-26 period.
Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “We recognise that we need to ensure a balanced approach where species such as white-tailed eagles come into conflict with agricultural activity, especially sheep farming.
“The emotional and financial impacts for those worst affected cannot be underestimated.”
The funding boost will increase the maximum standard measures payment for additional shepherding and monitoring from £1,500 to £1,800.
The cap for enhanced measures payments, aimed at providing additional support for shepherds during lambing season, will double from £5,000 to £10,000.
Additionally, farms most impacted will be offered bespoke support, including funding to trial approaches like indoor lambing to minimise the risk of predation.
NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon, said: “The increase in funding from Scottish Government and NatureScot for the scheme recognises the impact of predation of domestic livestock by sea eagles is having on farm and croft businesses.
“With the increase and the spread in the birds’ population, these funds will hopefully allow NatureScot to target mitigation to areas most seriously affected.”
Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot director of the Green Economy, also welcomed the increase in funding.
“This additional funding clearly recognises that predation of livestock by sea eagles can have an impact on farms and crofts, and this underpins commitments to support and offset the costs of farming and crofting in the presence of sea eagles,” he said.