Farmer pressure in Orkney forces reform on raven control 

Farmers in Orkney may soon be given wider powers to shoot young ravens, following growing concern over livestock attacks. This comes after a meeting with NatureScot, which admitted current control measures are failing to protect animals or livelihoods. 

Local farmers described lambs, sheep and calves being injured or killed, resulting in severe distress and financial losses. Despite 34 licences being granted since 2016, only 58% of the permitted number have been culled, with shooting limited to specific fields, allowing the birds simply to fly to safety. NatureScot’s Robbie Kernahan conceded that the current system was “bonkers”. 

In response, NatureScot now plans to introduce a new area licensing scheme for Orkney by this winter. This would give land managers the ability to target juvenile ravens more effectively, over wider areas and longer timeframes. 

While ravens are protected species, licences to control them are issued when non-lethal deterrents fail and attacks persist. Mr Kernahan acknowledged the significant threat ravens pose to livestock, and said lethal controls may be the only viable option. 

The development marks a small but important victory for the island’s farming community, which has long called for more practical, common-sense solutions to predator control.