Golden eagles flourish

Golden eagle numbers in southern Scotland have reached record levels a decade after a project began relocating birds from the Highlands.

Since 2018, young eagles have been introduced to the Moffat Hills, helping rebuild a population that had fallen to just a few breeding pairs. Although some birds have died or disappeared, the overall recovery has been described as a major success.

The project recently celebrated its first locally hatched chick from a relocated parent. Conservationists say the growing population shows the long-term restoration effort is working and hope numbers will continue to rise.