New powers to shoot ravens after livestock attacks

New powers to shoot young ravens in Orkney are being drawn up by Scotland's natural heritage agency following a spate of attacks on livestock.

Farmers say the birds have killed and injured lambs, sheep and calves, caused distress to both the animals and those caring for them, and significant financial losses.

In a meeting organised by farmers in the islands, NatureScot officials agreed current controls are not proving an effective deterrent.

NatureScot believes it will be possible to introduce an area licensing scheme for Orkney by this winter and will update farmers later this summer.