Eagle deaths prompt grouse moor review

NEW measures are to be introduced to protect golden eagles and other birds of prey after eight birds disappeared in a Highland mountain range over five years.

One in three satellite-tagged golden eagles also died in suspicious circumstances between 2004 and 2016. A review was launched after the deaths of eight birds of prey in the Monadhliath mountains, south-east of Inverness, between 2011 and 2016.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced yesterday that an expert group is to examine the way grouse moors are managed to ensure they are done so sustainably and within the law.

It will examine practices, such as the use of medicated grit and mountain hare culls, and could recommend licensing grouse shooting businesses.

Ms Cunningham said there were “legitimate concerns that high numbers of golden eagles, and other birds of prey, continue to be killed in Scotland each year”. The RSPB said it was a “damning indictment of Scotland’s driven grouse shooting industry”.

David Johnstone of Scottish Land & Estates said the “illegal activity” was damaging grouse shooting’s social and economic contribution to rural communities.

As part of the new measures, extra resources will be deployed for wildlife crime investigations.