A number of sea eagle chicks are settling into their new home at a secret location in Fife after being brought to Scotland from Norway.
The introduction of the 16 white-tailed eaglets represents the latest phase of a major reintroduction project.
Now in its fifth year, the initiative has been reintroducing the species to eastern Scotland with the long-term hope of restoring the birds across the full extent of their former range.
After travelling from nests in Norway, the chicks were taken to purpose-built aviaries in Fife where they will remain until they are strong enough to fledge.
The birds were welcomed on arrival at Edinburgh Airport by Norwegian Consul Mona Rhne and environment and climate change minister Stewart Stevenson.
Mr Stevenson described the project being overseen by a partnership involving RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland as “tremendously important.”
He believes the eagles will not only increase the nation’s biodiversity, but also its draw as a tourist destination.
“The reintroduction project has been a long haul but the care and effort invested has achieved remarkable results,” he said. “The white-tailed sea eagle is now a frequent and glorious sight in Scotland’s skies.
“Undoubtedly a major draw both for local and visiting wildlife watchers the return of these magnificent birds has provided a significant tourist attraction.”
Mr Stevenson thanked the Scandinavian donors who provided the latest batch of birds.
“This successful programme strengthens the link between us and Norway. I would like to thank them for their continued contribution to Scottish wildlife.
“I would also like to congratulate the partner organisations for their hard work in restoring this iconic species to Scotland. I hope to see them flourish further in the years to come.”Norwegian representativeFor the first time, an official representative from Norway was there to greet the young eagles on Scottish soil.
Ms Rhne said, “Norway and Scotland have a long standing collaboration in releasing sea eagles in Scotland and we are delighted to yet again see the arrival of the Norwegian birds.
“We are thrilled to know that we have played a part in helping to bring the birds back to Scotland.”
Affectionately known as “flying barn doors” due to their massive eight foot wing span, white-tailed eagles were only reintroduced to Scotland in 1975 having been wiped out by human persecution.
Recent figures show there are now 52 breeding pairs in Scotland. Although the majority remains in the west, the species is regularly spotted in eastern and central Scotland too.
Claire Smith, sea eagle officer with RSPB Scotland, said, “All the birds in the east coast population are fitted with radio and wing tags so we can keep track of their movements.
“Since the project began in 2007 we have had well over 2500 reported sightings.
“This includes birds in the surrounding area of Tayside and Fife, but also further north in places like Orkney. Meanwhile, four birds have wandered into northern England and were spotted in Northumberland, on the Solway and in Lincolnshire.
“We are also pleased to see that east and west coast populations are mixing which is a positive sign for the future.”
Susan Davies, SNH’s director of policy and advice, said, “So much has been said about these fantastic birds but nothing quite captures what it is like to see one soar above you, with their amazing 2 1/2-metre wing span.”