Duo rewarded for sea eagle efforts

A pair of sea eagle champions have received prestigious awards.

RSPB Scotland volunteers Elizabeth Downes and Richard Tough were presented with the charity’s President’s Award at its annual AGM in London in honour of their outstanding contribution.

They have devoted hours to monitoring and protecting a pair of sea eagles in Forest Enterprise Woodland in Fife and elsewhere in the east of Scotland.

They have also been instrumental in setting up a nestwatch programme involving 30 local volunteers to prevent disturbance to the birds during the breeding season.

As well as being local eyes on the ground for the east coast sea eagle population, Elizabeth and Richard have shared their extensive knowledge and passion in other areas of RSPB Scotland’s work, including the running of guided walks for members of the public.

Lauren Shannon, RSPB Scotland community engagement officer, said: “Richard and Elizabeth are true ambassadors for the organisation and have made an incredible contribution to our conservation work in east Scotland.

“We are very lucky to have them as part of our team and were so pleased that they were chosen to receive the award.”

Richard and Elizabeth’s efforts have been acknowledged among the 12,000 people who volunteer for the RSPB.