A police investigation is under way after a four-year-old golden eagle was shot in the Scottish Borders.
The bird of prey, called Hamlet, was found injured by a gamekeeper on an estate in Stanhope on 15 January.
Hamlet, who was wearing a satellite tracking device, had been relocated from the Outer Hebrides in 2023 as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) to boost numbers in the area.
Hamlet’s injury. Pic: RUN/Scottish SPCA
The animal was examined by a Scottish SPCA vet and was found to have suffered shotgun pellet injuries to his wing.
He has since made a full recovery and has returned to the wild.
Dr Cat Barlow, chief executive of Restoring Upland Nature, releasing Hamlet. Pic: RUN/Phil Wilkinson
Following a review of tracking data, experts believe Hamlet was shot during the first week of January in an area between Stanhope and Glenbreck, off the A701 Broughton to Moffat road.
Police Scotland, with support from the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, is searching for the culprit.
Detective Sergeant David Lynn said: “It is extremely disappointing that we are investigating another golden eagle persecution crime.
“Very few people would have the means, opportunity and motive to commit this crime and I would urge anyone with any information to contact us so we can identify whoever is responsible for shooting Hamlet.”
The chair of Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) – the new home of SSGEP – said the charity was “incredibly relieved” the Scottish SPCA declared Hamlet fit to fly following his “traumatic shooting”.
Dumfriesshire farmer Michael Clarke also praised RUN’s eagle officer, John Wright, who worked with the gamekeepers to rescue Hamlet.
Pic: RUN/Phil Wilkinson
Mr Clarke added: “We are angry, upset and disappointed that Hamlet was injured at the hands of an individual or individuals who consider themselves above the law.
“Whoever committed this deplorable wildlife crime should hang their heads in shame.
“Golden eagles are back to stay in the South of Scotland, and we very much hope they continue to spread from here so that people across the UK can experience the enjoyment of seeing these iconic birds soaring in the skies above them.”
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Ross Ewing, director of moorland and strategic projects at Scottish Land and Estates, praised the “swift and responsible actions” of the gamekeepers who reported the injured bird “promptly”.
Conor Kelly, one of the gamekeepers involved in the rescue, wished Hamlet a “full recovery”.
He added: “Golden eagles are a regular presence on our estate and across the region, and providing the right habitat for them to thrive is an important part of our work.
“Incidents like this are concerning, and we would encourage anyone with information to assist the police with their enquiries.”
