Three golden eagles among birds found 'poisoned' on Scots estate

Published on Wednesday 12 May 2010 23:04

THE HIGHLAND estate where Madonna was married was yesterday at the centre of a major investigation into the deaths of five birds of prey, including three golden eagles.

• The bodies of three golden eagles were found near Skibo Castle in Sutherland. Their deaths, and those of two other birds of prey, are being investigated. Picture: Jane Barlow

Police and wildlife experts are trying to find out what killed the birds amid fears they were deliberately poisoned.

The carcases, which also included those of a sparrowhawk and a buzzard, were discovered in or near the grounds of Skibo Castle in Sutherland, the exclusive retreat where Madonna married Guy Ritchie in December, 2000.

The location was not revealed by investigators but yesterday Skibo Castle confirmed it was told the remains had been found "on or near our property".

A spokesman for the castle added: "The owners and management of Skibo Castle are committed conservationists and do everything they can to support the welfare of wildlife and birds and will co-operate fully with the investigation."

Northern Constabulary said the dead birds have been sent for forensic analysis in Edinburgh and they are awaiting results.

A spokeswoman said officers are working with RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the National Wildlife Crime Unit on the investigation.

A spokesman at RSPB Scotland said three dead golden eagles in one area is a huge loss: "It will have a devastating impact on the population in that area. To lose three golden eagles in such a small location is very serious, as they are long-lived birds and slow to breed."

He said breeding when breeding was successful there was usually just one chick and survival rates were not 100 per cent.

"All these factors conspire against the bird to expand and sustain its population", he said.

The discovery shocked other rural landowners. A spokesman for the Scottish Estates Business Group, which represents rural estates, said: "This is deeply disturbing news.

"Estates and land managers throughout Scotland will be utterly appalled. If it transpires these birds have been poisoned then the full weight of the law should be brought to bear on those responsible."

Luke Borwick, chairof the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) said: "I am appalled, disgusted, horrified by this news. If this is as a result of criminal activity, this has to stop."

Rob Gibson, a Highlands and Islands SNP MSP, said: "I am deeply troubled that so many raptors have been found dead in such a limited area. An incident like this looks like poisoning and if it is proved to be so it is a worrying turn of events."

There are an estimated 440 pairs of golden eagles in Scotland. According to the RSPB, 14 have died as a result of poisoning in the past ten years.

A report from the bird charity in March showed that 27 birds of prey were killed in 22 recorded poisoning incidents last year, including two golden eagles.

Last June a golden eagle was found dead in the Glen Orchy area of Argyll, having died from poisoning caused by toxic insecticide. And last July the body of a poisoned golden eagle was found in Glen Esk in Angus.

Golden eagles live on open uplands and eat medium-sized prey including grouse, hares or rabbits, and carrion such as dead sheep and deer.

The species is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). There are eight special protection areas for the birds in Scotland and the SNH last year proposed another six.