THE restoration of southern Scotland’s eagle population continues to win hearts and minds.
Since its founding in, 2018, the project has successfully translocated golden eagles from further north to bolster numbers across southern Scotland.
MSP Craig Hoy recently visited the project’s based in Selkirk to learn more about their work to restore eagle populations in the region, he said: “It was great to meet Cat and John at the visitor centre at the Waterwheel near Selkirk. It’s a fantastic facility that helps the public learn more about this inspiring conservation project.
“Golden eagles are a truly iconic Scottish species, so it’s wonderful to see the team working hard to reintroduce a thriving population to the south. The eagles are monitored using GPS trackers, and the team regularly heads out into the moorland where the eagles thrive.”
In 2018, only four to eight golden eagles remained across South Scotland, mostly in Dumfries and Galloway. Thanks to the project, eagle numbers in the south are now higher than at any point in the past 200 years, a clear sign of the project’s success.
The initiative is supported by a mix of charitable donations and government grants. However, long-term funding remains a challenge.
Mr Hoy added: “The expansion of Sitka spruce plantations, wind turbines and solar farms all risk disrupting the eagle’s natural habitat. Over-development of forestry and renewable energy projects in the South of Scotland could have a serious impact on these native birds.
“The team have exciting plans to enhance the visitor centre, including installing live nest cameras, and I wish them every success in continuing this vital work.”
