Press release from Police Scotland (31 August 2026)
APPEAL AFTER BIRD OF PREY POISONED IN ABERDEENSHIRE
Officers are appealing for information after a bird of prey was poisoned in Aberdeenshire.
On 30 June, 2026, a member of the public was walking at Morven Hill, near Dinnet when they found a dead red kite.
Following enquiries, it was established that the red kite had been poisoned.
Wild Crime Liaison Officer Constable Ann Ashman said: “Red kites are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and it is illegal to kill this protected species.
“Poisoning a bird or animal is not only cruel and callous, but it can harm other wildlife as well as members of the public. The use of poison in a public area is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to anyone who comes into contact with it.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances. We would urge the public not to handle any dead animals they may find.
“I would appeal to anyone with any information about the poisoning of these birds to contact us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2910 of 30 June 2026. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
ENDS
Raptor Persecution UK 
Is the picture a red kite? I thought they had forked tails.
Yes, that’s a Red Kite. The tail doesn’t always show in the classic forked shape.
Especially if, as in this case, it is a juvenile, they have a shallower fork to start with.
When the very recent case of red kite shooting in the Cairngorms NP (also in Aberdeenshire) was thrown out of court, it was a signal to the criminals to up their persecution of raptors, because you are untouchable!
Through all this the National Park Authority do nothing.