DISAPPEARANCE ZONES

Cunningham, who commissioned the report, said: “The findings of this research are deeply concerning and will give rise to legitimate concerns that high numbers of golden eagles, and other birds of prey, continue to be killed in Scotland each year.

“There is every reason to believe that similar levels of persecution affect untagged golden eagles as well. The continued killing of protected species of birds of prey damages the reputation of lawabiding gamekeepers, landowners and the country as a whole.”

Cunningham announced she was setting up an expert group to consider licensing of shooting estates. Under the proposals, Main clusters ◗ A North Monadhliaths ★ B Angus Glens

C East Grampians including Ladder Hills ▲ D Gaick Forest Glen Tilt Broader clusters ■ E Upper Tay/Forth ✚ F South Loch Ness Other locations ●✚ estates linked to wildlife persecution would be barred from commercial shooting.

The report indicated six key areas where bird disappearances had been identified – the northern Monadhliaths; Angus glens; east Grampians including Ladder Hills; and Gaick Forest, Glen Tilt, with broader clusters identified in the upper Tay and Forth and south Loch Ness.

The SRSG said: “This report puts to bed a lot of the nonsense that was being suggested about eagle and other raptor deaths.

“Some gamekeepers and landowners would have you believe these golden eagles flew into wind turbines or that the tags were simply unreliable, however the SNH report rubbishes those theories.

“Do we really want Scotland to be famous for being the country that shoots its golden eagles?

“The tags cost £3900 but the data they produce is incredible and will help us document where these birds fly to and help map land use.”

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association said last night: “Raptor persecution takes place and the SGA are not attempting to deny it.

“The organisation have expelled five members in five years for wildlife crime convictions. A lot of this report, which makes difficult reading, is historic.

“We have been encouraged by record low bird of prey poisonings, our eagle surveys which have shown numbers rising on keepered land and the return of the golden eagle to favourable conservation status.

“It would be defamatory to claim all gamekeepers are involved in persecution. Those who do are raising the ire of their own peers, as much as angering campaigners.

“Attitudes are changing and improvements can be built upon.”