Golden eagle population still rising in south Scotland

Eagle numbers are at their highest level in centuries in southern Scotland

The golden eagle population in southern Scotland is continuing to increase following efforts from a "ground-breaking" conservation project.

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project has brought the birds from other parts of the country to a secret location near Moffat since it started in August 2018.

At that time there were just a handful of golden eagles in the area but numbers have now reached 47 - the highest in centuries.

It comes despite a setback last year when a bird vanished - it subsequently emerged that it was believed to have been shot.

The latest figures for the population have been released to coincide with the unveiling of the programme for the Moffat Eagle Festival which will celebrate the iconic bird from 6 to 8 September.

Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin will be the keynote speaker and he said it was a "real privilege" to be involved.

"It's truly wonderful to hear that there are new record numbers of golden eagles soaring in southern Scottish skies thanks to the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project," he said.

"My hope is that soon these majestic birds will be seen right across the UK."

In 2022, the project became the first in the world to successfully translocate seven free-flying young golden eagles - aged between six months and three years - to boost the low population.

Project manager Dr Cat Barlow said: "This novel approach has provided a significant boost in our efforts to ensure golden eagles truly flourish in southern skies and is proving to be a ground-breaking technique for global raptor conservation management."

She said it had only been possible thanks to support from a wide range of organisations and the staff involved.