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RSPB Scotland issues appeal over shooting of ‘very rare’ bird

The body of a black-throated diver which was found shot on the shores of Loch Gowa.
The body of a black-throated diver which was found shot on the shores of Loch Gowa.

The fatal shooting of one of Scotland’s rarest birds has been described as an “appalling and inexcusable crime” as an appeal for information was launched.

The body of a black-throated diver was found on the shores of Loch Gowan near Achnasheen in Wester-Ross in mid-April and was reported to RSPB Scotland.

A post-mortem examination of the animal by vets at the Scottish Agricultural College concluded that the bird had died as a result of being shot.

The incident was referred to police, who have been unable to identify a suspect, and RSPB Scotland is appealing for anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward.

A spokesman for RSPB Scotland said: “This is an appalling and inexcusable crime. Black-throated divers are stunning and very rare birds, with their UK stronghold in the Highlands.

“It is truly shocking that one of these birds has been deliberately targeted, with a complete disregard for both the law and the rarity of this species.”

There are only about 240 pairs of black-throated divers in the UK. It is a black and white bird that breeds on freshwater lochs and spends winter at sea.