How the Reintroduction Project Took Flight
A decade ago, golden eagles were a rare sight in southern Scotland, with only a handful of breeding pairs left. In 2018, a groundbreaking initiative began relocating chicks from the Highlands to a secret site in the Moffat Hills to revive the dwindling population. The early stages were not without challenges: in 2019, one bird reportedly attacked and killed another, a setback the team described as “very difficult” but not a reason to abandon the project.
Population Growth and Milestones
Despite early losses, the relocation effort continued. By August 2021, eight more chicks had been successfully moved south, bringing the total relocated to 12 and nearly doubling the local population in just three years. By early 2023, southern Scotland’s golden eagle population had reached nearly 50, the highest level recorded in centuries. The project began to include older birds as well, and a festival celebrating the eagles was established in Moffat to highlight their success.
Challenges Amid Success
With the growing population, incidents of deaths and disappearances have also risen. In February 2023, an eagle named Sula was found dead from natural causes, while the later disappearance of Merrick was treated as potential persecution. Another eagle, Thistle, died in November 2024, likely due to an attack by other birds.
Dee Ward, chairman of Scottish Land and Estates, praised the project as a “powerful example” of collaboration between landowners and conservationists. He noted that 21 of the 24 relocated juvenile eagles came from private estates, reflecting strong local commitment. Ward expressed disappointment over the “isolated incidents of illegal persecution,” warning that such actions risk overshadowing the project’s remarkable achievements in restoring this iconic species.
