NFUS condemns illegal release of feral pigs in Cairngorms

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has indicated that domesticated pigs may have been illegally released in the Uath Lochans area, with NFU Scotland urging the identification and prosecution of those responsible.

This incident comes just weeks after the illegal release of four lynx in January 2025, which were later captured by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and Police Scotland.

One lynx died after being captured, while the other three were quarantined at Edinburgh Zoo.

See also: Recent illegal lynx release is ‘reckless’ says NFUS

NFU Scotland has welcomed the prompt action by the Park Authority, NatureScot, and Forestry and Land Scotland to recapture these animals but has called for increased efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Jamie Wyllie, chairman of NFU Scotland’s Pigs Committee, said: “Such reckless and illegal releases are incredibly irresponsible with negative implications for the environment, the individual animals, and the potential damage they might cause to rural businesses.”

He expressed particular concern for land managers, stating that unsanctioned releases must not become commonplace or acceptable.

Mr Wyllie also welcomed the swift actions taken by authorities to recapture the animals, adding: “We urge anyone with information relating to where these animals have come from to come forward and assist Police Scotland with their enquiries.”

The illegal release of feral pigs is exacerbating an already growing problem in parts of Scotland, where pigs are causing significant damage to crops, land, and property.

Biosecurity threat

These pigs also pose a serious risk of spreading diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever to other livestock and wildlife.

Mr Wyllie highlighted the threat these feral pigs pose to the UK’s livestock industry.

“A feral pig population is a threat to those who keep cattle, sheep and pigs,” he said.

“The presence of feral pigs makes the ability to control or eradicate disease, were it to arrive in the UK, significantly more difficult.”

He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to control and reduce the numbers of feral pigs in Scotland.