A protected hen harrier has been killed near a rural Aberdeenshire beauty spot.
The discovery of the young bird near the Cairn O’Mount has led to a police appeal for information and condemnation from the RSPB and the estate, whose staff found the carcass near the scenic tourist route.
Grampian Police wildlife crime unit officers were alerted to the discovery on October 13.
The bird’s remains were found on a hill track popular with walkers and visible from the B974 over the Cairn O’Mount.
Wildlife crime coordinator PC Gavin Lindsay said: ”It’s most disappointing someone has taken it upon themselves to kill such a wonderful bird.
”There are very few hen harriers in the north-east of Scotland, and for someone to have done this to such a rare bird is astounding.
”I appeal to all members of the public who might have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area on or around October 13 or who knows the person responsible for this crime to come forward and notify police to assist with our ongoing investigations.”
Fettercairn Estate has also expressed disgust at the death are staff are said to have already provided significant assistance to police, and continue to work closely with them.
Estate owner Katie Somervell, said: ”Since its inception in 2006, Fettercairn Estate has been a long-term participant in the North East Scotland Raptor Watch project.”
Environment minister and PAW (Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime) Scotland chairman Paul Wheelhouse said: ”This is another absolutely deplorable crime involving the shooting of one of our rarest species of raptor and I thank the estate and keeper involved for bringing this matter to the attention of the authorities which is in keeping with their positive engagement on wildlife crime issues.
”If anybody has any information about the killing of this young hen harrier I would urge them to contact the police as a matter of urgency.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.