Learn from Norway’s wildlife experience

Sir, - When discussing wolves it is difficult to separate truth from fiction. But we can be certain that the introduction of wolves into Scotland would promote huge conflict between the rural residents who have to live with them and the urban environmentalists who love them.

Jim Crumley writes that he is aware of the situation in Norway and elsewhere but according to press reports, the 70 or so wolves in Norway were responsible for killing 1,600 sheep and lambs in 2014.

In total, in Norway, more than 20,000 sheep are killed by predators that also include lynx, bear, wolverine and eagles.

Norway, Sweden and Finland are all seeking to cull wolves, leading to disputes and battles in the courts.

Introducing wolves into Scotland could have far-reaching consequences.

Jim probably believes it does not matter if some sheep are killed by wolves but it does matter greatly to those who care for them and who can no longer make a living from farming.

Proper compensation schemes would have to be established and legislation introduced to allow management, including culling and the possibility of removing all wolves. Beavers are another species supposed to be good for our environment but Argentina is now planning to kill all 100,000 beavers, first introduced into Tierra del Fuego in 1946, because of the huge damage they are causing to the environment by destroying trees, building dams and by tunnelling.

Picture: PA. More than 20,000 sheep are said to be killed by predators each year in Norway.