Eagle flies high once again after being shot in the wing

Gamekeepers worked with the Scottish SPCA to rescue the bird of prey after finding it injured in the Tweedsmuir area of the Scottish Borders last month.

The animal was wearing a satellite tracking device and was identified as Hamlet, a four-year-old golden eagle that had been relocated from the Outer Hebrides to the south of Scotland in 2023.

Hamlet was examined by a vet, who confirmed shotgun pellet injuries to his wing. He has now made a full recovery and has since been returned to a secret location in southern Scotland where he will continue to be monitored using satellite tagging.

During his recovery at the Scottish SPCA’s centre, Hamlet was provided with medication, including pain relief, antibiotics and antifungals, and daily physiotherapy to help nurture him back to health.

After two weeks of treatment, his wing’s range of motion had significantly improved, and he was taken off the drugs. The Scottish SPCA then provided a further week of tailored physical treatment to build up his muscle, and ensure he was ready to be released safely.

Police Scotland has launched an appeal for more information after finding the bird had been illegally shot.

Officers investigating the crime reviewed Hamlet’s tracking data and following consultation with raptor and veterinary experts, it is believed the bird was shot during the first week of January in an area between Stanhope and Glenbreck, off the A701 Broughton to Moffat Road.

Conor Kelly, one of the gamekeepers involved in the recovery effort, said he hopes Hamlet continues well in his recovery.

He added: “Golden eagles are a regular presence on our estate and across the region, and providing the right habitat for them to thrive is an important part of our work.

“Incidents like this are concerning, and we would encourage anyone with information to assist the police with their enquiries.”

Michael Clarke, farmer and chairman of Restoring Upland Nature, previously the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, thanked the quick reactions from gamekeepers and dedicated team at SSPCA.

“We are angry, upset and disappointed that Hamlet was injured at the hands of an individual or individuals who consider themselves above the law,” he said.

“Whoever committed this deplorable wildlife crime should hang their heads in shame. Golden eagles are back to stay in the South of Scotland, and we very much hope they continue to spread from here so that people across the UK can experience the enjoyment of seeing these iconic birds soaring in the skies above them.”

Detective Sergeant David Lynn, National Wildlife Crime Coordinator, said: “It is extremely disappointing that we are investigating another golden eagle persecution crime. Very few people would have the means, opportunity and motive to commit this crime and I would urge anyone with any information to contact us so we can identify whoever is responsible for shooting Hamlet.”

Police Scotland asked anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1221 of 3 February, 2026. Alternatively, you can pass on your information anonymously to Crimestoppers using 800 555 111.