Conservation: Golden eagle numbers in southern Scotland reach highest levels for centuries

15 September 2023
By Alex James

Golden eagle by John Wright / SOSGEP

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SOSGEP) has announced that there are now 46 eagles in the area - the highest number for centuries!

When the programme began five years ago it was thought that only three breeding pairs remained, but these new figures now tell us this magnificent raptor project goes from strength to strength.

Eight chicks – originating from the Scottish Highlands, Perthshire, Angus and the Scottish islands – were brought to a secret location near Moffat this summer to bring numbers to the current level.

Project manager Cat Barlow said it had been an "incredible year" for the project, which received national recognition via the National Lottery awards in 2022.

"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," Barlow said.

"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."

OTHER POPULAR STORIES TO READ: