Farmers and crofters are condemning the launching of a consultation which could see the lynx introduced to the countryside, just 30 miles from Glasgow.

NFU Scotland says that despite denials, the animal would inevitably kill sheep as has been the case in Norway – where many farmers have left the industry by their arrival along with wolverine and other protected species.

After the recent submission of an application for a trial reintroduction of lynx into Kielder Forest in Northumberland, the Lynx UK Trust has announced that it has continued consultations with major landowners in Argyll and Inverness-shire for the past 12 months, regarding potential release sites.

The trust says its research has shown that there are over 10,000 sq. miles of suitable habitats, which could comfortably be home for 250 lynx stretching from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, just 30 miles from Glasgow, into the West Highlands and Great Glen.

The secretive animal and can grow to five feet in length, feeding mostly by ambushing deer.

It became extinct in Scotland in medieval times, being hunted for its fur and losing habitat to farming.

The trust is claiming that as well as providing much needed control of Scottish deer numbers, the lynx could benefit the endangered capercaillie.

Chief scientific advisor for the Lynx UK Trust, Dr Paul O’Donoghue, said:” Pine marten overpopulation is a direct result of them having no natural predators in the ecosystem.”

Ewen Maclean whose family own the 30,000 acre Ardgour Estate south west of Fort William, said: “I think this is something that can bring a huge benefit to our forests and add to the fantastic eco-tourism offering already in the region; we have some of the best wildlife in the UK here, having the lynx back home amongst it would be wonderful.”

Mr O’Donoghue, added. “Imagine how amazing it would be to hop on a bus in Glasgow and be in lynx habitat half an hour later,’’ he said.

But NFU Scotland’s Deputy Director of Policy, Andrew Bauer said: “This is a far more complex matter than those pressing for the release of lynx would have anyone believe. On the forest edge, there will be significant predation of ewes and lambs and no amount of warm words and reassurances will convince any farmer or crofter otherwise.

“This sham consultation exercise does not, in any way, equate to an application for release in Scotland.”

Helen Todd, Ramblers Scotland’s campaigns and policy manager, said reintroducing lynx could improve biodiversity and woodland regeneration, but it would need to be properly supported by local communities and managed.

“And many people would enjoy walking in an environment which supports a wider range of wildlife."

Andrew Bachell, Chief Executive of wild land charity the John Muir Trust (JMT) said the organisation supported in principle the idea of a trial introduction of the lynx, under licence, in the right place and under the right conditions, but only if it involved from the outset with all those who had a potential interest in the outcome.

Any trial of the reintroduction of the lynx would have to be licenced by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

Eileen Stuart, head of policy at SNH, said: “As the licensing authority, SNH requires applicants to show that they have taken the views of the public, farmers and land managers into account.

"We would always verify that an appropriate consultation has taken place to discover the views of the people in the area affected.

“Reintroduction projects are complex and need very careful planning to ensure national and international guidelines are met.

"There are additional sensitivities when dealing with plans to reintroduce a carnivore like lynx.

"The applicant would need to demonstrate, for example, how their project would address ecological issues such as habitat and prey availability."