NFU Scotland has warned that hill farmers and crofters cannot plan for lambing without urgent confirmation of continued funding for the Sea Eagle Management Scheme.
The Union has called on the Scottish Government to commit funding ahead of the 2026 lambing season, saying uncertainty is now becoming critical for upland and hill sheep businesses.
NFU Scotland raised the issue following a recent meeting in Argyll with hill farmer David Colthart and staff from NatureScot.
The Union said farmers are already making key decisions on flock management, grazing and staffing for lambing, despite funding for the existing scheme still not being confirmed.
Sea eagle predation continues to cause significant losses on hill farms, with lambs taken, ewes attacked and flock behaviour disrupted during the most vulnerable time of the year.
The current scheme provides monitoring, mitigation support and financial assistance, but its future remains unclear.
NFU Scotland said pressure on farms is being compounded by ongoing issues with geese, which reduce available grazing and add further strain during a critical period.
The Union is calling for a review of the existing goose management scheme and increased funding alongside the Sea Eagle Management Scheme to ensure NatureScot has the resources needed to protect livestock and grazing.
Duncan Macalister said farmers are being forced to plan without the certainty they need.
“Although farmers and crofters are a few months away from lambing, they are making decisions right now about flock management, grazing plans and staffing.
“Without a commitment to continued funding, they are being asked to plan blind.”
He warned that delays risk undermining animal welfare and the viability of fragile upland communities.
“If funding is not confirmed imminently, the uncertainty will undermine animal welfare, business planning and the viability of some of our most fragile upland communities.”
Duncan Macalister said goose management also requires urgent attention.
“Delays in developing new schemes for goose management are causing huge concern.”
“The government has repeatedly acknowledged the seriousness of sea eagle and goose impacts, and we now need that recognition backed by action.”
NFU Scotland said farmers, crofters and NatureScot officers all stressed the need for early clarity during recent discussions in Argyll.
The Union warned that late decision making last year led to cashflow and operational challenges for businesses taking part in the scheme.
NFU Scotland said repeating that pattern in 2026 would jeopardise lambing plans, investment decisions, staffing, confidence in coexistence measures and the credibility of government led mitigation schemes.
Duncan Macalister said farmers want to work constructively with government and agencies but need decisions in time to be useful.
“We need a commitment, and we need it now.”
