Cruel demise for capercaillie

A CAPERCAILLIE that became an internet sensation has been mauled to death by a dog on a Highland estate.

The bird on the Rothiemurchus estate, near Aviemore, attracted huge interest among visitors because he was less shy than other capercaillie and defended his territory instead of hiding or running away when people and dogs approached.

Estate owner Johnnie Grant said: “This is a great shame and it highlights the importance of visitors enjoying and using recreational facilities responsibly.”