AN assurance has been given that the views of the Scottish Government will be taken into account before permission is granted for the release of six Eurasian lynx into Kielder Forest in neighbouring Northumberland.

Fears about the possible impact of the roaming wild cats on livestock and members of the public on this side of the border were expressed at last month’s meeting of Scottish Borders Council.

As reported in these columns, it was revealed that the council had not been consulted over the application by The Lynx UK Trust for a licence to introduce four females and two males of the species into England’s largest forest plantation.

That bid, submitted in July, is in the gift of England’s natural environment agency Natural England.

Last week, local Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) sought clarification in the Scottish Parliament.

“What consideration has been given [by the Scottish Government] to the cross-border implications for livestock farmers in the Scottish Borders from the proposal to introduce lynx into Kielder Forest?” she asked.

She was told by Scottish environment minister Roseanna Cunningham that the application was currently under consideration by Natural England.

“The Scottish Government has agreed with Natural England that Scottish Government views…will be taken into account in considering the application, given the cross-border implications of any decision to release lynx at this location,” said Ms Cunningham.

“The likely impacts on livestock will form a key part of the views submitted by the Scottish Government.”

It is understood that SBC officers have already made their concerns known to Scottish Natural Heritage which will advise the Scottish Government on its response to Natural England.

The Eurasian lynx, a strict carnivore, is the third largest predator in Europe after the brown bear and the grey wolf.