European polecats could be reintroduced to northern Scotland under new proposals

One of Scotland’s rarest mammals could be set to make a comeback as a project aims to explore the possibility of returning polecats to the north of the country.

The European polecat was once widespread across Britain, but intensive persecution in the past led to their decline by the early 20th century.

Now, a mammal conservation charity is looking to restore polecats to northern Scotland in a project that will run until October.

The Vincent Wildlife Trust will assess habitat suitability and conduct detailed studies in areas identified as potential release sites.

Local communities will be consulted on the plans, along with those potentially affected by the return of polecats.

Disease risk, impacts on existing species and other land users will also be considered as part of the project.

The Trust says this will help make an evidence-based decision on whether the restoration of European polecats is feasible, desirable, or not.

The polecat has rarely been seen in Scotland since being persecuted to extinction Vincent Wildlife Trust

Jenny MacPherson, VWT’s principal scientist said: “The return of polecats could contribute to the restoration of Scotland’s native biodiversity.

“But any release would only move forward if the evidence shows it could be done responsibly and with local support.

“That’s why this study is such a crucial first step.

“For now, there are no polecats being released, just careful research and conversations, which we expect to be able to share findings of at the end of 2026.

“Until then, the question remains: could the polecat be Scotland’s next conservation comeback?”

The latest national polecat surveys show they have now returned to much of southern Britain but recolonisation of northern Scotland remains highly unlikely without human intevention.

The Vincent Wildlife Trust says this is due to factors such as increased urban barriers in the central belt.

Rob Raynor, NatureScot’s mammal specialist said: “Persecuted to extinction in Scotland by the early 20th Century, polecats are among Scotland’s rarest mammals, with only occasional, isolated confirmed sightings.

“An essential part of VWT’s project will be gathering the views of people who would be most affected, including land managers and local communities, as well as compiling evidence to assess the associated risks and benefits of restoring polecats.”