Holyrood motion condemns ‘brutal’ killing of golden eagle

The killing of a golden eagle linked to the Angus glens has been condemned in Holyrood.

SNP MSP Nigel Don lodged a parliamentary motion over the ”brutal” death in the wake of the RSPB’s revelation that the satellite tagged bird was found dumped in a Deeside forest in May.

The charity believes the eagle suffered a lingering death in an illegal trap after data showed it to be stationary on a hillside in Glen Esk for 15 hours the day before its carcass was discovered lying face down and with its wings folded, under a tree branch, close to rural road lay-by near Aboyne.

The bird’s legs were smashed and investigators believe it would have been unable to take flight.

The death of the eagle, which fledged in the Monadhliath mountains, near Inverness, last summer, remains the subject of a police inquiry.

RSPB Scotland has offered a £1000 reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever was responsible.

Angus North and Mearns MSP Mr Don has asked the government to look into the possibility of additional protection measures after highlighting the illegal killing of 11 golden eagles since 200.