Kingussie lynx release was ‘reckless’ and posed a ‘serious threat’ to them
The four lynx who were dumped on a Badenoch estate last month have played their part in forming government policy.
It was on January 8 that the Strathy broke the story about the mysterious release of the cats at Killiehuntly.
While the two initial beasts were soon trapped by experts from the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, two more appeared within hours.
They were both also recaptured, although one of the animals died.
The three remaining lynx were transported to Edinburgh Zoo where they remain.
First Minister John Swinney yesterday ruled out the legal reintroduction of such cats into the wild in Scotland.
His comments to the NFU Scotland conference confirmed the rumours that have circulated in the corridors of power as a result of the reaction which followed the illegal release of the endangered species, at a time when controversy also rages - especially in Badenoch and Strathspey - over the reintroduction of wild cats and beavers.
Conservationists have been lobbying for years for the controlled reintroduction of lynx as they attempt to rewild part of the country which once - in some cases centuries ago - abounded with the animals.
The belief is that the reintroduction would only benefit rural biodiversity
But farmers, crofters and other workers of the land are yet to offer their full support, indeed many have aired their outride condemnation of the idea.
The Strathy recently carried the thoughts of both conservationists and farmers as the debate continued after the lynx incident at Killiehuntly just outside Kingussie.
On Friday the NFU Scotland conference, Mr Swinney confirmed the reintroduction of lynx - or any other carnivorous species - would not take place under his government.
He told the conference: "Ministers are acutely aware of the concerns many of you have about the introduction of new species.
"Let me be very clear, the recent illegal release of four lynx was both reckless and posed a serious risk to the welfare of those animals released.
"My government will not be reintroducing lynx, or indeed any other large carnivorous species in Scotland."
The introduction of other species, including white-tailed sea eagles - which also cause much concern in some farming areas of the strath - had caused problems.
"We've got to wrestle with various issues of balance within the rural community in Scotland," the First Minister stated.
"We've got to balance the action we've got to take on climate. We've got to balance the action to ensure we've got an adequate supply of food production.
"We've got to make sure that we've got viable investments within our rural economy - and I don't see the reintroduction of the lynx being compatible with that balanced agenda that the government's got to take forward."
The Strathy tonight asked the first views of those involved on either side of the debate and hope to carry their thoughts on the First Minister’s announcement over the weekend.
