The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham MSP has visited Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve near Dunkeld.

During her visit the Cabinet Secretary met with our Chief Executive Jonny Hughes to discuss shared priorities over the next five years and the future of Scotland’s environment. She also learned about the history of Loch of the Lowes reserve and its importance for wildlife including ospreys and red squirrels. 

Jonny Hughes said: “I’m looking forward to working with the Cabinet Secretary over the next five years to ensure that Scotland’s environment is at the heart of decision making.

“The decision to leave the European Union has created a huge amount of uncertainty but the Scottish Government’s role in ensuring that international commitments on climate change and biodiversity are met, securing continued protection for wildlife, and providing financial support for ecological restoration is going to become increasingly important.” 

Roseanna Cunningham said: “Scotland’s stunning wildlife and the natural habitats in which our many and varied native species live are without doubt one of our greatest assets.

“We need to do everything we can to preserve these wonderful spaces and the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s work here at Loch of the Lowes is a great example; providing unique access to species like the red squirrel and ospreys for visitors.”

Loch of the Lowes is a picturesque loch fringed by areas of fen, reedbed and native woodland. The reserve has supported nesting ospreys since 1969. It is also one of the best places in Perthshire to see red squirrels.