POLICE SCOTLAND has pulled the plug on its investigation into the deaths of 12 red kites and four buzzards in the Conon Bridge area of Ross-shire during the spring of 2014, due to the three-year time bar on wildlife crime offences.

The birds were poisoned by pesticides Carbofouran, Aldicarb and Carbosulfan, which are all banned under UK wide legislation, and Police Scotland has since gone to considerable effort to find the culprits – but the case remains unsolved.

Expressing his disappointment, Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Philip Macrae said: "Every line of enquiry has been explored as part of our investigation into the deaths of these birds of prey, including large scale searches and a detailed investigation by CID and Wildlife officers.

"We liaised closely with a number of partners including the National Farmers Union, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. It is therefore very disappointing that there has been insufficient evidence to progress this case any further.

Detective Inspector Scott Macdonald who led the enquiry added: "I remain convinced, based on the advice of partners involved in the investigation, that the bait was laid for illegal pest control and not specifically to target the birds of prey, however they became the unfortunate victims of this illegal act.

"Using illegal pesticides is wholly unacceptable; it poses an indiscriminate danger to humans and wildlife alike. Although this case is no longer active, we continue to take the use of illegal pesticides seriously and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward to Police Scotland or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."