Golden eagle numbers set to soar with funding boost

Wildlife: Project to increase Borders population attracts £1.3m support

The Scottish population of an iconic bird of prey is poised to soar after a scheme to boost golden eagle numbers attracted £1.3million in funding.

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project attracted funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and plans to increase numbers in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.

The project involves RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Buccleuch and the Langholm Initiative, who have been working together for more than a decade.

There are now two to four pairs of golden eagles in the south of Scotland but a study has shown there is suitable habitat for 10-16 breeding pairs.

Mark Oddy, chairman of the south of Scotland golden eagle project, said: “Golden eagles are arguably Scotland’s most iconic species and this programme will ensure more of us can see these magnificent birds across the south of Scotland’s skies.

“This venture is not just about birds, but also about people and in the coming months we will continue to work closely with people living and working in the south of Scotland so everyone can get behind our endeavour.

“The Langholm Initiative will have a key role in hosting the project and in fostering the long- term economic and social benefits to enhance the influence and legacy of this pro- ject. I thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for their huge support, it is fantastic news for nature.”

Recent satellite tagging work of golden eagles has shown the south of Scotland population is isolated from larger populations in the Highlands.

Over a four-year period from 2018, the scheme hopes to bring between five and 10 young eagles south. Teams will use white-tailed eagle and red kite reintroduction projects as models. Eagle chicks from the Highlands will also be raised and released at a hidden location in the Borders.

Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “It is the prospect of glimpsing rare species, such as these glorious golden eagles, that attracts visitors to our shores bringing much- needed tourist income.”

ProjectmanagerCatBarlow said: “One of our first jobs will be to appoint two local officers who can work in the community to build support in advance of the first eagles’ arrival.

Cabinet Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “This will ensure golden eagles have a secure footing in the south of Scotland and will bring huge benefits to the local economy and communities.”

“This venture is not just about birds, but also about people”

ICONIC: The golden eagle is an iconic Scottish bird of prey whose healthy Highland population is being used to boost numbers in the south