The number of golden eagles in the south of Scotland has tripled to 39 thanks to a collaborative project moving chicks from Highland estates. In total, 20 eagle chicks have been translocated for the project since 2018 – with 18 of those coming from estates owned privately such as Pitmain & Glenbanchor Estate near Kingussie and Rottal Estate near Kirriemuir.

Dr Cat Barlow, Project Manager for South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, said: “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.”

Read more: Golden eagles released in the southern uplands

Project partners the Southern Uplands Partnership, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land & Estates, Scottish Forestry and NatureScot worked on the project together for more than 11 years before releasing the first eagle chicks in 2018. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, project partners and the Scottish Government. Other estates to have participated in the project since 2018 include Glenmazeran Estate in Inverness-shire, Jahama Highland Estates near Fort William and Dalnacardoch Estate near Pitlochry.