One third of golden eagles ‘are killed illegally’

The Scottish Government has announced an independent enquiry into game bird shooting estates in response to fears over wildlife crime.

The move comes after new research showed almost a third of golden eagles hatched in Scotland are being illegally killed.

The report, by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), analysed the movements of 131 young golden eagles over a 12-year period and found more than 40 had vanished in suspicious circumstances.

The majority of cases centred on areas around grouse shooting estates.

Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham has said an expert group will be set up to look at managing grouse moors sustainably and within the law. It will also advise on the option of licensing grouse shooting.

There will also be increased resources for policing wildlife crime.

She said: “The continued killing of protected species of birds of prey damages the reputation of lawabiding gamekeepers, landowners and indeed the country as a whole.

“Those who carry out these crimes do so in defiance of the will of parliament, the people and their own peers. That must end.”

She added: “Scotland’s wildlife is for everyone to enjoy, not for criminals to destroy for their own ends.”