Golden eagle project takes off in south of Scotland
Three golden eagle chicks have been set free at a secret location in the Southern Uplands as part of a bid to restore vanished populations of the iconic bird of prey in the south of Scotland.
The ground-breaking move is part of the £1.3 million South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, which aims to bring up to ten young eagles to the area over the next four years.
Golden eagles were once a common sight in southern skies, but human activities and changes in land use have caused numbers to crash over the past two centuries.
Currently there are only two to four pairs across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. However, a study found the habitat is suitable for up to 16 pairs.
Conservationists and landowners involved in the £1.3m scheme hope the translocated birds will help the species repopulate the region.
The chicks, named Edward, Beaky and Emily, were taken from a nest in the Highlands and raised in custom-built aviaries before being released in the Moffat hills.
“I remember the thrill I felt the first time I saw a golden eagle,” said Francesca Osowska, SNH’S chief executive.
“The more people who can experience this, the better – and this wonderful project will make that happen.
“Golden eagles are such an amazing part of Scotland’s wildlife, and we’re passionate about returning them to places where they used to be plentiful. These striking birds are crucial for all of Scotland’s nature to thrive.”
Mark Oddy, chair of the project, added: “In recent decades the south Scotland golden eagle population has been small and fragmented.
“We want to give it a helping hand to overcome problems in the past which have limited the size and viability of the population.
“It is amazing to see the first of our first chicks now settling down and soaring majestically above the Moffat hills.”
Project partners include Scottish Land & Estates, Forestry Commission Scotland, RSPB Scotland, SNH, Buccleuch and the Southern Uplands Partnership, with National Lottery funding.
Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Golden eagles are one of Scotland’s most impressive species and many people – myself included – will be excited by the increased opportunity to see these magnificent animals in the wild.”