Police probe claims birds’ nest was deliberately destroyed

Alarm raised after sand martins’ roost disappeared

Wildlife police are investigating claims that a protected birds’ nest was deliberately destroyed at a Perthshire quarry.

Concerned residents at Blackford raised the alarm after a known roost for rare sand martins disappeared near Milton of Panholes.

The nest was on land earmarked for a new quarrying operation.

The scheme, lodged by construction firm Kilmac on behalf of applicant Nigel Murray, involves excavating sand and gravel to use for a new rail depot for bottled water giant Highland Spring.

Bird charity RSPB Scotland is also investigating the nest’s apparent loss and has warned that those responsible could face fines of up to £5,000 or even go to prison.

Sand Martins are known to use quarry faces to nest between March and September.

They are protected – under the Wildlife and Countryside Act – the moment the birds start tunnelling.

Claire Smith, senior conservation officer at RSPB Scotland, said: “Local people in Blackford contacted RSPB Scotland this week to raise concerns that part of an active sand martin colony has been destroyed at a site near Blackford. The police have been made aware and visited the site.”

It is illegal to destroy, damage, take, obstruct or interfere with any wild bird nest while it is being built or in use and nests do not need to have eggs or chicks present to be regarded as being ‘in use’.

RSPB Scotland has also raised concerns with planning officers that there was no mention of the sand martin colony in paperwork submitted to the local authority.

A Police Scotland spokesman said they were aware of “the incident” and were making inquiries. Photographic evidence of the birds’ nest has been passed to officers.

A spokesman for Kilmac said: “Kilmac have not been involved in any work onsite at Milton of Panholes.

“We are currently awaiting the response from Perth and Kinross Council to the planning application we submitted earlier this year.”

Our graphic shows the area were the sand martins’ roost was situated.