Under consideration PE2151: Grant protected status to primitive goat species in the Scottish Borders

Background information

Feral goats found around Langholm and the lower Scottish Borders have their origins in the native species of the Iron Age, but are not recognised in any capacity other than general protections for wild and feral animals.

These neglected species survive in the last truly wild and free habitats of the Borders, and represent an independence of spirit reflective of our national character. Their numbers are dangerously low, and in danger of extinction due to loss of habitat, and systematic and ongoing culling.

The feral goats of the Cheviots in Northumberland, which share similarities with the native goats in Scotland, have been added to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust watchlist to support their conservation, and are also included on DEFRA’s Native breeds at risk list.

The British Primitive Goat Society summarises identification of primitive goats, and also explains the Cheviot goat herd protection process, close relatives to the Langholm herd.