Sea Eagle Management Scheme

https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/land-and-sea-management/managing-wildlife/sea-eagle-management-scheme

Farmers and crofters experiencing sea eagle impacts on their livestock are invited to join this scheme, which offers support for adapting livestock management and for trialling prevention measures.

The Sea Eagle Management Scheme 2027 is now open to new applications and Management Agreement amendments. 

Sea Eagle Management Scheme delivery in 2027 is subject to budgetary approvals. 

How to take part

All new applicants who are impacted by sea eagles and those wishing to amend existing support must register their interest by following the steps detailed below 

  1. Complete the Register of Interest form and return by email to [email protected] no later than the 31 May 2026. If email is not an option, please post to -
    NatureScot, Cameron House, Albany Street, Oban, PA34 4AE.

    On receipt of the form, NatureScot will contact you to arrange a site visit to your holding. 

  2. Following the site visit, complete an application form for the 2027 Scheme which should be submitted no later than the 31 July 2026. 

Key Scheme deadline submission dates

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.

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 07717 711326 for further information.

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

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 07717 711326 for further information.

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:

Related Links

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