Estate licence suspended after golden eagle's 'sudden disappearance'

Scotland's nature agency has suspended the use of a general licences to control wild birds on land in the Borders for three years after the sudden disappearance of a golden eagle.

NatureScot said the decision at Raeshaw Estate and Watherston Wood, near Stow, was based on evidence from police of wildlife crime against birds.

It included the disappearance of an eagle - named Merrick - in 2023 as well as golden eagle blood, feathers and shotgun cartridge wadding recovered from the same location.

A spokesperson for Raeshaw Estate said the decision was "wholly unjustified" and it would challenge it "vigorously" through an appeal.

General licences allow landowners and land managers to carry out control of common species of wild birds, such as crows and magpies, to protect crops or livestock, without the need to apply for an individual licence.

Chris Dailly, NatureScot's head of licensing, said: "We have decided, in discussion with Police Scotland, to suspend the use of general licences on this land for three years until January 2029.

"The police have recorded Merrick's disappearance as a crime and have provided robust evidence to NatureScot to support this."

He said their action would help protect wild birds in the area while still allowing necessary land management activities to take place.

"We believe this is a proportionate response to protect wild birds and prevent further wildlife crime," he added.

Individual licences may still be applied for, but they will be subject to "strict record-keeping and reporting requirements" and will be "closely monitored".

A statement from Raeshaw Estate said it would appeal against the move.

"We share the frustration felt by many about Merrick's disappearance but there is no evidence the estate or any of its employees were in any way responsible," it said.

"The estate has zero tolerance for raptor persecution and remains fully committed to respecting wildlife, nature and the environment.

"Merrick's last established position was not on land owned or managed by our estate."

It added that no employee had been charged as a result of the police investigation.

"We welcome the presence of eagles on the estate, and we enjoy frequent visits from the species," it said.

The action comes just a day after police appealed for information after a four-year-old golden eagle was shot elsewhere in the region.

The bird was discovered injured by a gamekeeper on an estate in Stanhope, near Tweedsmuir, on 15 January.