Golden eagle found in bag with body parts removed

Golden eagles are a protected species

A dead golden eagle had body parts removed before being dumped in a plastic bag, police said.

The bird was found on a forestry track off the A81 near Loch Rusky, north east of Port of Monteith in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

An investigation has been launched following the discovery, which was made at about 11:00 on Tuesday 30 July.

Separately, RSPB Scotland said a red kite was killed by a banned pesticide in Sutherland.

A red kite was found poisoned in Sutherland

A police spokesperson said: "Golden eagles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland.

"Inquiries have been ongoing and now officers are appealing for help to find out how it came to be there."

The force is also involved in the investigation into the red kite's death.

RSPB Scotland said the bird of prey, also a protected species, was found by a dog walker at Spinningdale near Dornoch in April.

It said the results of a post-mortem examination and toxicology analysis were consistent with Carbofuran poisoning.

The pesticide has been banned for more than 20 years.