Crikey, this is the third ‘good news’ eagle story this month!
The East Scotland Sea Eagle Reintroduction Project reaches a milestone today: the final birds are due to be released from a secret location in Fife, bringing the total number of eagles released over the last six years to 85.
The project has not been without its problems – some of the eagles have been illegally poisoned or shot, while others have ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances. There have also been some outspoken critics of the project (notably some farmers and gamekeepers). However, for most people, the return of these birds after such a long absence has been a welcome sight.
Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said: “The return of sea eagles to the skies of Scotland’s east coast marks an important step in ensuring we now have a viable population of these magnificent birds. As well as fulfilling a role in our ecosystems, the birds are an important feature for our growing nature-based tourism industry“.
Congratulations to all involved in the project, especially RSPB, SNH and Forestry Commission Scotland.
BBC news article here
Raptor Persecution UK 
I see these superb raptors often while out monitoring other birds of prey, etc in the Angus Glens, a fantastic sight.
A comical incident occured recently while I was watching a merlin site from a distance. A WTE flew over the merlin’s nesting area and within seconds the female sent the eagle packing.
In my experience most farmers and gamekeepers are fully supportive of this reintroduction. With luck we will hopefully get a breeding attempt somewhere in Angus in 2013.
Great news indeed, long may they thrive and multiply. Wildlife tourism is the future for our countryside, so much better than shooting and poisoning it.
Where have ye sourced the White tailed eagles for the reintroduction? In Ireland the eagles have been sourced in Norway as far as I know. It is great that both Ireland and the UK are reintroducing simultaneously as it is likely to increase the rate of successful pairings of birds.
Hi Usna,
The East Scotland eagles are also from Norway. Read about the project here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/projects/details/274707-east-scotland-sea-eagles-esse