Sea Eagle Management Scheme

The Sea Eagle Management Scheme is currently under review and there may be changes to the Scheme in 2025.

NatureScot runs the Sea Eagle Management Scheme on behalf of the National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Panel, which comprises representatives from:

• NatureScot
• National Farmers Union of Scotland
• RSPB Scotland
• Forestry and Land Scotland
• Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate
• Scottish Crofting Federation
• Scotland's Rural College
• Scottish Raptor Study Group
• National Sheep Association Scotland
• Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association

There are also two local stakeholder groups established in Argyll & Lochaber and Skye & Lochalsh who are represented on the National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Panel.

If you have issues with sea eagles and wish to find out more about the Scheme, please see the information below.

Sea Eagle Management Scheme

The Sea Eagle Management Scheme extends support for livestock farmers and crofters who experience sea eagle predation impacts.  The scheme was launched in 2015 as one of the actions listed in the Joint Statement of Intent from NFU Scotland and NatureScot on – Sea Eagles and Sheep Farming in Scotland agreed in 2014.

To support farmers and crofters, scheme advisers will:

• investigate what sea eagle activity is occurring near to the farm or croft
• advise on measures to mitigate against sea eagle impacts
• arrange to lend equipment, where appropriate, to use to deter sea eagles or otherwise mitigate impacts
• recommend support for longer-term management agreed with and carried out by, the livestock manager

Land managers who carry out prevention measures as part of livestock management may receive financial support through NatureScot Management Agreements.

Following discussion with stakeholders, the SEMS is currently under review with details for 2025 to be confirmed. 

We would encourage farmers and crofters affected by sea eagle predation to get in touch if they would like more information on the Scheme or to discuss management measures that can potentially be supported. Please email the SEMS mailbox or phone 07919 044652 for further information.

More information on the work of the scheme can be found in the following reports:

• 2021 Annual Report and Prey Remains Analysis Report
• 2022 Annual Report
• Scheme Delivery Report 2020-2023 and 2023 Prey Remains Analysis Report
• 2024 Report for Stakeholders and 2024 Prey Remains Analysis Report

There is also more information on Enhanced Shepherding, a collaborative measure supported under the revised scheme targeted at extensive hill flocks.  Please email the SEMS mailbox or phone 07919 044652 for further information.

How to take part

Are you affected by sea eagle impacts? To take part in the scheme, fill out and return to us a Register of Interest form

You can email your completed form to: seaeaglescheme@nature.scot

Or post it to:

Alternatively, contact your local NatureScot area office.

Our staff will arrange for someone to respond to your enquiry.

Flock management log

You should record details of your flock management and lamb losses using our log template. Include any evidence of livestock predation. This will help your local stakeholder group to monitor sea eagle related incidents.

Read our Sea Eagle Management Scheme flock management log

White-tailed Eagle Action Plan

NatureScot works with partners on the National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Panel to deliver the White-tailed eagle Action Plan. The White-tailed eagle Action Plan is currently under review. Previous Action Plans can be found below:

White-tailed eagle Action Plan 2017-2020
WTE Action Plan Review 2020
White-tailed Eagle Action Plan Extension 2021 - 2024