Call to probe investigation into dead raptors

A Highland MSP has called for a review of the police investigation into the mass killing of birds of prey in the Black Isle.

It follows confusion over a police statement which said the 12 red kites and four buzzards were “most likely not targeted deliberately” and that experts believed they were the victim of “pest control measures”.

Members of the Scottish Parliament’s rural affairs, climate change and environment committee quizzed senior police officers on the statement, as they felt it implied no criminal act had been involved.

The committee was assured it was still a criminal investigation as illegal poisons were behind the deaths, even if the raptors had not been the intended targets. Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has asked Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill for a review of the case.

He said: “Itwould be useful if a full review of the investigation process was carried out. It would go a long way to allaying any fears the general public may have but also in the interests of transparency.

“Such a review would take away any lingering confusion about how these great birds of prey met their demise. This is why I have written to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to request a review of the investigation takes place and why I will be making sure the lord advocate is copied into any correspondence on the matter.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland, with partners, has kept this investigation under reviewto ensure we are using every evidential opportunity open to us. It remains an ongoing investigation.”

Dave Thompson