Conservationists release eight chicks, increasing population to record high.

The number of golden eagles in the south of Scotland now stands at around 46, the highest number recorded in the region for three centuries. The increase follows a translocation of eight golden eagle chicks over the summer.

The chicks had been carefully collected under licence from NatureScot before being released at a secret location by the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. During the process, their health and wellbeing was monitored by experts from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

When the project first began translating golden eagles in 2018, the local population stood at just three pairs.

The latest eight chicks have been named by school children, individuals and organisations. The names given them include Paradise (chosen by children at the Kilchattan Primary School) and Haworth (named in memory of raptor expert Paul Haworth, one of the project’s founders).

The project has also shared the news that two birds transported in previous years, Edward and Iona, have paired near Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway. The town will be hosting the third Moffat Golden Eagle Festival between 22-24 September.

Showcasing the project’s work, the festival will include a keynote talk by TV presenter and conservationist Iolo Williams.

Cat Barlow, project manager for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, said: “This is an incredible year for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. We are thrilled to bring eight more chicks to the region - the greatest number we have transported in any one summer so far, bringing the population of golden eagles in the area to an all-new record high.

“And we’re incredibly excited to see some of the first birds that we translocated in the area now nesting together. This is a significant new step in our work to ensure the south of Scotland golden eagle population is self-sustaining and continues to thrive in southern skies for many generations to come.”

Mr Williams added: “It is absolutely fantastic to hear that the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project has once again successfully transported so many golden eagles to the area, and incredibly exciting that Iona, who I was given the honour of naming back in 2021, has settled with Edward near Moffat.

“The work of this outstanding project is playing a vital role in boosting the small golden eagle population in the south of the country.”

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