Rural estates in the Highlands have been praised for their vital contribution towards restoring a thriving golden eagle population in the south of Scotland.
In total, 20 eagle chicks have been translocated for the project since 2018 – with 18 of those coming from privately owned estates.
The Pitmain and Glenbanchor Estate near Kingussie is among the private estates this year which have worked with the award-winning South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. The scheme aims to translocate eagle chicks from their land to help establish a thriving eagle population in the south.
Other estates to have participated in the project since 2018 include Glenmazeran Estate in Inverness-shire and Jahama Highland Estates near Fort William.
The estates have diverse interests including management for farming, grouse shooting and country sports, forestry and energy.
All of them undertake vital conservation work which has played a huge role in golden eagles and a host of other species choosing to nest on their land.
‘The estate has supported the expansion of these majestic birds’
Head gamekeeper at Pitmain and Glenbanchor Estate, Graham Mabon said: “We’re delighted our resident Glenbanchor eagles have managed to again raise a brood of two young eaglets.
“Through the translocation of one of the eaglet chicks, the estate has supported the expansion of these majestic birds into their southern range.
“Our management of the estate, particularly for grouse shooting, allows us to create a habitat where a rich array of bird species and other wildlife can thrive. The biodiversity on our estate is fantastic and we’re delighted that golden eagles are present and flourishing.”
Project manager for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, Cat Barlow, added: “In just a few short years, thanks to the vital support we have received from estates across Scotland, we have more than tripled the local population of golden eagles in the south of Scotland to 39 – the highest number recorded for three centuries.
“This has been made possible through the great care estates and raptor workers have taken to help us source healthy eagle chicks and provide them with welcoming new habitats. It is fantastic to see these majestic birds soar in southern skies once again.”
Conversation