POLICE have launched a probe after an osprey was found illegally shot in a Scottish glen.
The bird of prey was found “in distress” by a gamekeeper in the Glen Doll area, in the southern part of the Cairngorms National Park, on August 12.
The SSPCA attended and took the osprey to the wildlife resource centre in Fishcross for treatment. However, it had to be euthanised due to the severity of its injuries.
Following further investigations, X-rays revealed the osprey had been shot and Police Scotland was contacted.
Ospreys had been pushed to the brink of extinction in Scotland by the early 1900s, but made a comeback in the latter half of the century. Today, between 250 and 300 breeding pairs are in the country, according to government agency NatureScot.
Like other protected species, it is illegal to kill an osprey in Scotland.
READ MORE: 'What?': Confusion as BBC completely forgets Scotland in osprey report
Police in Perthshire are appealing for anyone with information on what happened to contact them.
Detective Constable Daniel Crilley, from the wildlife crime investigation unit, said: “It’s illegal to kill any protected species and we’re working with partner agencies to fully investigate the circumstances.
“Information from the local community is vital and I’d ask anyone who was in the area around August 12 and thinks they may have information which could assist our enquiries to come forward.
“We’re keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or has information about shooting activity in the area.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1671 of August 26. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel