Owner’s distress after owl escapes during demonstration near Stirling Castle

Small pets have gone into hiding after a giant bird of prey made a bid for freedom at the weekend.

Residents of Stirling locked away their furry friends when it emerged a European eagle owl disappeared during a demonstration near Stirling Castle.

Described as a “gentle giant”, the hand-reared raptor slipped from her owner’s grasp at about 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

The owl, named Gale, has been spotted several times since, including on the roofs of the Kirk of the Holy Rood and Cowane’s Hospital, as well as perching on gravestones in the city’s old town cemetery.

Eric Rennie, 60, has spent three days desperately trying to lure the 16-year-old bird back.

He said: “I’ve had Gale for 12 years since she was dumped in the woods by a former owner. She’s never flown away before.

“My greatest worry is that she still has her anklets and leash on and she could become tangled up somewhere.”

Despite Gale’s imposing appearance, he described her as a “softy who likes to cuddle in” and said she was unlikely to harm any pets. Anyone who spots the missing bird should contact the police non-emergency number on 101.