Golden Eagle Baited

Some of you may have heard of the shocking death of a female Golden Eagle in the Scottish Borders due to deliberate poisoning. There is now concern for the young bird and whether the father will be able to raise it on his own. The following is the press release from Lothian and Borders Police:

"Police are appealing for information following the discovery of a poisoned golden eagle in the Scottish Borders.

The discovery of the bird, which was one of the only pair of breeding golden eagles in the area, was followed by a joint investigation by Lothian and Borders Police, RSPB Scotland, the Scottish SPCA and the Scottish Executive.

This investigation resulted in a poisoned bait being found on a grouse moor in the Borders yesterday (August 12).

The death of the bird and the subsequent discovery of bait has raised significant concerns over the use of poison in the area.

PC Mark Rafferty, Wildlife Officer with Lothian and Borders Police, said: 'Despite the efforts of myself and other wildlife crime officers and our partners, the illegal and indiscriminate use of poisons is still alive and well in the Borders area.

'This incident goes to show that people are still willing to take this risk, and the result is that one of Scotland's finest birds has now been destroyed.

'This is criminal behaviour, and I'd ask the public and particularly the gamekeeping community to come forward with information on this or any illegal wildlife crime.'

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111."


The photograph showing the dead bird was distressing and the estate it happened on has not been named. This is a disgraceful practice and a particularly sad case. Estate owners should be accountable instead of hiding behind their gamekeepers and members of the public should be encouraged to speak out against the people who still engage in blatent cruelty.

TO