Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 24 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent report from King’s College London and Czech Academy of Sciences, whether it will consider establishing a national forum comprising a broad range of stakeholders to develop advice on the management of “feral pigs” or wild boar (Sus scrofa).
The Scottish Government does not intend to establish a national forum comprising a broad range of stakeholders to provide advice on the management of feral pigs or wild boar.
The Scottish Government currently chairs the Feral Pig Co-ordination Group, which considers issues relating to feral pigs. The Group includes officials from the Scottish Government, Forestry and Land Scotland, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, NatureScot and other external organisations as and when required.
This structure allows relevant expertise to be brought together as needed to support effective management of feral pigs in Scotland.
The Strategic Wildlife and Species Land Managers Forum brings together relevant Government departments and non-governmental organisations and meets regularly to discuss issues relating to wildlife management. The management of feral pigs could be considered by the Forum if appropriate.