NEWS of a prediction that the number of pairs of white-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, is to double by 2025, is being met with despair from farmers and crofters that are already being terrorised by the birds.

A new Scottish Natural Heritage report predicts that the numbers of the birds is likely to be around 221 pairs by 2025 with potential for a much larger population by 2040.

Having gone extinct in 1917, sea eagles were reintroduced to the west coast of Scotland from 1975, and in other areas subsequently, causing a well documented headache for sheep farmers. There were 106 pairs of white-tailed eagles in Scotland in 2015, so the report projects more than double that to be present in the next decade.

It also predicts that, over the longer term, the population could potentially reach 889-1,005 pairs by 2040; however, the top end of the population range is unlikely to be reached, because it does not take into account the carrying capacity of the land and other factors. These values do not include juvenile birds, which typically do not pair up and breed until they are five or six years old.

Cabinet Secretary for the environment, climate change and land reform, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “This report shows the return of the white tailed eagle to the skies over Scotland is a genuine conservation success story. That success has not been achieved easily, and I pay tribute to all of those whose efforts over many decades have helped us reach this point. This story also demonstrates the importance of working together to protect and enhance our natural environment. That’s why I also want to thank the many farmers and crofters who are working with us to find a way to ensure that they and the eagles can co-exist. Successful reintroduction projects must work with stakeholders, as well as wildlife.”

SNH’s director of policy and advice, Andrew Bachell, added: “The future of the white-tailed eagle looks stable and the population is growing well. Many people and organisations have contributed to this success and we should be proud of it.

“We know some farmers and crofters have serious concerns about the impact of sea eagles on their livestock with some experiencing losses. We are working with NFU Scotland, local stakeholders and others to thoroughly understand the part sea eagles play in livestock losses, and we’re committed to working together to find solutions to allow sea eagles and livestock farmers to co-exist.”

In terms of additional mortality, the report looked at risks from both wind farms and persecution. So far, there have only been two recorded instances of a sea eagle colliding with a wind farm in Scotland. Persecution of sea eagles has been very rare in the current west coast range, but they are starting to expand into areas of Scotland where there has been a history of raptor persecution. Both wind farm collisions and persecution rates could change as sea eagles move into new territories.

Chairman of NFUS’s environment and land use committee and Argyll sheep farmer, Angus MacFadyen, said: “This report is a valuable addition to the debate around how we ensure sea eagles and sheep farming and crofting can co-exist here in Scotland. It clearly flags up the fact that the sea eagle population and range is likely to dramatically increase in the coming years, and underlines the vital importance of finding ways in which to reduce predation and conflict. This effort is something NFU Scotland is fully committed to.”