The Scottish Wildlife Trust has acquired Little Linga, a small island off Stronsay in Orkney which is a key breeding site for seals and seabirds, from the Ferne Animal Trust.

Little Linga is an important colony for the Atlantic grey seal, with approximately 500 pups being born on the island each autumn. In addition the island has a breeding population of around 80 pairs of cormorants on raised nests of seaweed and 200 pairs of fulmars.

The Trust is committed to protecting Little Linga as a secure stronghold for native wildlife. The island is two kilometres north of Linga Holm, an island reserve which the Trust has owned since 1999.

Alan Anderson, Head of Reserves, Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “I’d like to thank Ferne Animal Sanctuary for their kind gift. Little Linga provides a secure breeding ground for colonies of grey seals, cormorants and fulmars, and we are pleased to be able to give these species continued protection by declaring the island a wildlife reserve.”

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a registered animal welfare charity based in Chard, Somerset and is a refuge for all animals of all shapes and sizes from across the county and beyond. The Sanctuary’s Trust purchased Little Linga more than 25 years ago to prevent the risk of seal pup culling on the island and ensure its future as a sanctuary for wildlife. 

Elaine Hayes, Chief Executive, Ferne said: “Little Linga is a small uninhabited Scottish island and a haven for wildlife. Ferne is delighted to be able to hand over its care to the Scottish Wildlife Trust, who we believe are the right custodians for this little wildlife gem.”