McArthur tells First Minister that action on raven attacks “urgently required”

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has today highlighted the issue of raven attacks in the Scottish Parliament, which have caused “shocking, often fatal injuries” to livestock in Orkney and around Scotland.

During First Minister’s Questions today in the Scottish Parliament, Mr McArthur told First Minister John Swinney about the “alarming rise in attacks” during lambing season. He asked the First Minister to take action to ensure a survey is carried out to assess the scale of the increase in raven numbers while also supporting farmers through granting licences to deal with attacks.

Speaking in the chamber, Mr McArthur said:

“In Orkney, I‘ve heard from distressed farmers who’ve lost stock in horrendous circumstances and from vets who talk about serious animal welfare concerns.

“It’s clear the raven population has increased significantly in recent years, so does the First Minister agree that a survey of raven numbers is now urgently required?

“And will he ask NatureScot, not just to carry out that survey, but also provide whatever support farmers need through licencing to deal with attacks – ideally, before they occur?”

In response, the First Minister acknowledged the importance of the issue raised by Mr McArthur, and committed to engaging with NatureScot about responding to the rise in raven attacks.

Commenting after FMQs, Mr McArthur said:

“I welcome the First Minister’s recognition of the seriousness of the issue, which was raised with him when he visited Orkney earlier this year.

“It is clear that the raven population has increased significantly, though no assessment has been carried out for many years. It is essential that NatureScot now undertake such a survey as a matter of urgency, so we have a more accurate sense of the scale of the problem in Orkney and elsewhere. This can then better inform what action needs to be taken.

“NatureScot also needs to support farmers who require licences to deal with or better still avert such attacks on lambs and sheep. I know this has been discussed between local NFUS representatives and NatureScot and hopefully we can see progress in the coming weeks.”