NATURE PRESENTER TERRY NUTKINS MAKES A CASH PLEA TO HELP CONSERVE SCOTLAND’S WILDLIFE TREASURES

CUIDE RI CATHY – TERRY NUTKINS
Monday 7th June, 10pm, BBC ALBA

Iconic wildlife presenter Terry Nutkins tells Cathy MacDonald that the Government must take greater action in order preserve the rich array of wildlife found across Scotland.

Speaking during the latest programme of the Cuide ri Cathy series on BBC ALBA, Terry strongly criticises the lack of funding given to aid wildlife conservation and explains his view that greater subsidies are required for the country’s fishermen to stop sea stocks diminishing to dangerously low levels.

Terry says: “The government have to put more money in. I’d like to see all the fishing off the west coast of Scotland stopped for a few years and I’d like to see the government give the fishermen a subsidy – the same amount of money they would earn from fishing.

“The government give billions of subsidies to all these big bankers, so I’d like to see them give money to all our fishermen to control fishing more and safeguard all the fish on our coasts for a few years so the stocks can build up again.”

Terry spends a day with Cathy in the Highlands, a place close to his heart having spent most of his life residing in the area. Fondly recognised by several generations from programmes such as Animal Magic and The Really Wild Show, Terry remains as passionate about animals and wildlife as he did at the height of his presenting career.

The Englishman takes Cathy to the Sea Life sanctuary in Oban, an attraction with which he has a close association, before they spend an afternoon sailing on a boat trip from the Firth of Lorn round the islands of Scarba and Jura, in search of some marine wildlife in their natural habitat.

During their time together Terry tells Cathy about his early childhood, spending all of his spare time at London Zoo up until the age of 12. He then moved to the Highlands where renowned Scottish naturalist and author Gavin Maxwell became his legal guardian, with Terry helping to tend and care for animals whilst becoming ever more immersed in his passion for wildlife.

Such enthusiasm for nature and wildlife needs to be nurtured from an early age, Terry explains, although he argues that the axing of TV shows such as the ones he used to feature on will not help. However, with the correct Government assistance, Terry maintains that there can be a bright future for wildlife conservation in Scotland.

CUIDE RI CATHY will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 7 June at 22.00 and is available on Sky channel 168 & Freesat channel 110.