Nature legend names Moffat eaglet

SIR David Attenborough has marked a conservation milestone by naming the first eaglet to fledge from a nest of a golden eagles near Moffat.

Describing the landmark moment as a ‘wonderful achievement’, the globally renowned broadcaster christened the fledgling ‘Princeling’. The name symbolises new hope for the restoration of a previously diminished and declining population of golden eagles.

Sir David said: “Many congratulations to all those in Restoring Upland Nature who have brought about the fledging of a young golden eagle.”

Princeling’s arrival brings the number of golden eagles soaring in southern skies to a new record high - over 50 - the most seen in the region for three centuries.

He hatched in spring 2025, remaining a secret until he was ready to fly independently. Thereafter he was satellite-tagged by licensed experts accompanying the RUN team in June. His parents are: Emma a golden eagle translocated by the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project in 2021; and Keith, a locally fledged golden eagle from Galloway.

CEO of Restoring Upland Nature Dr Cat Barlow is delighted that Princeling is thriving and she said: “What an honour it is for Restoring Upland Nature to receive such warm recognition from Sir David Attenborough for this game-changing moment in UK conservation.

“Seeing Princeling thrive in the south of Scotland highlights that, where there are healthy ecosystems and a low risk of persecution, translocated eagles can integrate well into native populations to breed successfully. This brings renewed hope to our ambition to reverse biodiversity decline and ensure current and future generations across the UK, including Scotland, England and Wales, can experience that incredible sense of awe on seeing golden eagles soar.”

RUN chair Michael Clarke added: “This remarkable recovery story has only been possible through a massive team effort by individuals from all walks of life. Our sincere hope now is that Princeling’s arrival will cement a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for his survival as a totem of what is possible when people pull together, and share a determination, to consign the illegal persecution of these magnificent birds and other raptors to the history books.”