The Scottish Rewilding Alliance hosted a landmark national hustings on World Rewilding Day last month (20 March), bringing together political leaders to debate the future of Scotland’s natural environment.
Five of the six political parties represented in parliament took part in the Hope for Nature Hustings, with one notable absence. The Scottish Conservatives were unable to send a representative – so a Eurasian Lynx stuffed toy took the final seat on the panel to symbolise Scotland’s missing species.
The event, which took place at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre and online, was the first ever rewilding themed hustings, organised ahead of the Scottish elections in May. Research has shown that public support in Scotland for rewilding is strong, with 80% believing the Scottish government should implement policies to support rewilding.
Over 200 people attended the event asking questions on topics ranging from the recovery of Scotland’s seabeds to the reintroduction of the real Eurasian lynx. Monica Lennon’s Ecocide Bill was also mentioned, with panellists expressing support for its return in the next parliament.
Land reform and the need to rewild for the benefit of all was also discussed.
The event was also featured in many of Scotland’s national media, including the Daily Record, the Herald, the National and STV.
Karen Blackport, Co-Convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and CEO of Bright Green Nature, said:
“Rewilding is critically important to our futures. It offers hope – hope that we can restore our land and seas from our nature-depleted starting point. It was fantastic to have so many people, in person and online, taking part in the debate, and it was great to see the national media showcase the hustings too.
“We’re grateful to the SNP, Scottish Greens, Scottish Labour, Scottish Liberal Democrats and Reform UK for being in the room, and we look forward to continuing the conversations with them in the run-up to the elections, and beyond.”
Kevin Cumming, Deputy Convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and Rewilding Director of Rewilding Britain, said:
“We know that public support for rewilding is strong. Before Scotland goes to the polls in May, we’re challenging political leaders to set out their vision for how they intend to rewild and repeople our country. Whether we’re talking about bringing back missing species, changing how we manage our land and seas or revitalising local communities, Scotland’s politicians need to show up for the debate.”
He continued:
“Rewilding is about restoring the missing pieces of our ecosystems, and tonight, we were faced with a missing piece of our panel. That gap was represented on stage by the Eurasian Lynx, a medium-sized cat that lives across Europe. It is notoriously shy and rests under cover during the day to avoid people.”
The Alliance confirmed that a formal invitation was extended to the Scottish Conservatives in January 2026, with several follow-up attempts made and acknowledged by the party. To maintain the non-selective nature of the hustings required by electoral law, the Alliance kept their seat available on stage throughout the evening.
Following the hustings, the Alliance will share a write-up of all the questions raised with Scotland’s political parties.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- A recording of the livestream is available on the Alliance’s YouTube account: https://www.youtube.com/live/WwKJqPfVLNw