A TRIAL project to introduce lynx to Scotland and re-introduce beavers should be a key part of any co-operation deal between the SNP and Greens, according to environmental organisations.

The Greens’ 2021 manifesto stated the party supports the “gradual reintroduction of species native to Scotland where appropriate and in co-operation with local communities, including a lynx re-introduction trial”.

Now the Scottish Rewilding Alliance says Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie should push for a commitment on this from the SNP government and show they can achieve “real change”.

The Eurasian lynx became extinct in Scotland between 500 and 1000 years ago, but has been reintroduced in some parts of Europe. Some researchers suggest the Highlands could provide a home for about 400 of the big cats.

Campaigners say the move would help restore balance in nature, by controlling roe deer numbers – with these being the lynx’s preferred prey.

Scottish Rewilding Alliance convener Steve Micklewright said: “A trial re-introduction of lynx will have very strong public support and there would be no clearer signal that Scotland intends to become the world’s first rewilding nation.”

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 environmental organisations, is calling on the Scottish Government to declare Scotland the world’s first “rewilding nation” – with rewilding taking place within 30% of the country’s land and seas within a decade.

Polling for the group showed more than half (52%) of Scots support a pilot re-introduction of lynx, with just 19% opposed to this. A further 66% support wider relocation of beavers, which Micklewright said would offer benefits to local communities and landowners.

He said: “Public opinion is in favour of beaver relocation and we have huge areas where they could be moved to. The Greens must ensure that this can happen.”