Mull Eagle Watch flies to new location to find birdies
EVERY golfer’s dream to get a ‘double eagle’ ... and that’s what could be in store this summer for those playing at one of the world’s most scenic coastal courses on the Isle of Mull.
This year, the nine-hole course, which was first laid out in 1895, will host the award-winning Mull Eagle Watch project.
A pair of white-tailed eagles, Britain’s largest birds of prey, nest adjacent to the golf course and helps keep it clear of geese and rabbits.
Mull Eagle Watch will run guided tours to see the eagles from a safe distance and income from the trips will help boost golf club funds to buy much-needed golf course maintenance equipment and to allow improvements to the clubhouse.
The eagles have nested successfully at their prime golf course location since 2009.
Volunteers and golfers, working with Police Scotland, have helped to protect the birds from disturbance and egg thieves.
The eagles are used to activity on the golf course and are more focused on raising their chicks and catching their prey from the sea and nearby islands in the Sound of Mull.
Rangers from the Mull and Iona Community Trust and RSPB will run daily visits from the clubhouse to a forward viewing area to get privileged views of the eagles at their nest.
Walks to view golden eagles at the nearby Forestry Commission Scotland’s Scallastle trail will also be introduced to the calendar of summer events and the rangers are part-funded by Scottish Natural Heritage.
Chairman of Craignure Golf Club Johnny Paton said: ‘We are excited to host the prestigious Mull Eagle Watch this year and look forward to welcoming visitors to our stunning course overlooking the Sound of Mull.’
Moray Finch, general manager of the Mull and Iona Community Trust, said: ‘Extending the Mull Eagle Partnership to support a local community golf club makes perfect sense and is a great example of how a social enterprise can work.’
Dave Sexton, RSPB Mull officer, said: ‘Mull Eagle Watch has continuously evolved and moved around the island and has helped countless local projects over the years.
‘This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the extinction of sea eagles in Scotland and it’s wonderful now to see these majestic birds back in our midst and their presence being embraced by island communities.’
Mull Eagle Watch is a species protection project and a five-star VisitScotland-rated wildlife experience. It has been a successful partnership since 2000 between the Mull and Iona Community Trust, RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and Police Scotland.
Trips must be booked via the Craignure Visitor Information Centre on 01680 812556. Guided walks will run at 11am and 2pm, Sunday to Friday (closed Saturdays). Public transport via the West Coast Buses to Tobermory will bring passengers on foot and day visitors to the clubhouse stop.
The walks cost £8 for adults, £4 for under-16s, with families of four for £20. Residents of Mull can visit for free.
Donations also welcome towards the work of Craignure Golf Club and Mull Eagle Watch.