Hamlet

The news comes as Police Scotland issued an appeal for information after their investigation confirmed size one ‘shotgun pellet injuries’ to the bird’s wing. The four-year-old golden eagle, named Hamlet, released as a sub adult in 2023 as part of our pioneering eagle restoration programme, was found injured by gamekeepers in the Tweedsmuir area on 15th January. They then immediately contacted Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) and the charity’s eagle officer, John Wright, worked with the gamekeepers to rescue Hamlet. The bird’s condition was then assessed by experienced vets on the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project’s advisory panel before being taken to the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Alloa, where he was well cared for and closely monitored by senior veterinary staff. He was stabilised by the centre’s ‘bird’s senior’ and assessed by the vet team, who conducted an X-ray to determine how much the shot had affected the range of movement in his right wing.

Michael continued: “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.”