Two elk have been flown in to bolster the population of wild animals on Paul Lister’s Alladale estate in Sutherland.

The young animals were airlifted in from Sweden to Inverness, from where they were transported by road. They will join wild boar already on the estate, which the millionaire wants to fence off to keep eventually wolves, bears and lynx.

The plan caused controversy after it was revealed walkers and mountaineers would be banned from the 23,000-acre site, to which they presently have access under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act. One of the routes to the remote Munro Seana Bhraigh passes through the estate.

Local residents have also raised concerns for safety if wolves and big cats are introduced.

The elk is the largest of the deer family and can grow to a weight of half a ton. It roams widely in Scandinavia and other northern European countries. In north America, it is known as the moose.

Mr Lister is heir to the MFI furniture chain fortune.

See also

Bothy closed on Highland estate planned as home for wolves