Police probe after golden eagle found with shotgun injuries

Police have appealed for information after a four-year-old golden eagle was shot in the south of Scotland.

The bird was discovered injured by a gamekeeper on an estate in Stanhope, near Tweedsmuir, on 15 January.

The eagle - which was wearing a satellite tracking device - had relocated from the Outer Hebrides to the area in 2023 as part of project to boost numbers in the area.

The bird, called Hamlet, was examined by a vet, who confirmed shotgun pellet injuries to his wing. He received treatment and has since been returned to the wild.

Following a review of tracking data, and consultation with experts, it is believed Hamlet was shot during the first week of January.

It is thought he was injured in an area between Stanhope and Glenbreck off the A701 Broughton to Moffat road.

Det Sgt David Lynn said: "It is extremely disappointing that we are investigating another golden eagle persecution crime.

"Very few people would have the means, opportunity and motive to commit this crime and I would urge anyone with any information to contact us so we can identify whoever is responsible for shooting Hamlet."

Police are working with the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit and anyone with information has been asked to come forward.

Hamlet was relocated to the area as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) which has boosted bird numbers in the area.

Dumfriesshire farmer Michael Clarke - who chairs Restoring Upland Nature, the new home of the SSGEP - said it was "incredibly relieved" the eagle was fit to fly following his "traumatic shooting" and thanked the Scottish SPCA for its help.

"We are angry, upset and disappointed that Hamlet was injured at the hands of an individual or individuals who consider themselves above the law," he said.

"Whoever committed this deplorable wildlife crime should hang their heads in shame."

Ross Ewing, director of moorland and strategic projects at Scottish Land and Estates, praised the swift action of gamekeepers who reported the injured bird promptly.

Conor Kelly, one of the gamekeepers involved in recovering Hamlet, added that he hoped the bird could make a "full recovery".

"Golden eagles are a regular presence on our estate and across the region, and providing the right habitat for them to thrive is an important part of our work," he said.

"Incidents like this are concerning, and we would encourage anyone with information to assist the police with their inquiries."