Police Investigate Shooting of Golden Eagle Hamlet in Scottish Borders
Police Scotland have launched an investigation after a golden eagle was discovered with shotgun injuries in the south of Scotland. The rare bird, a four-year-old male named Hamlet, was found wounded but has since made a full recovery and been released back into the wild.
Discovery and Recovery of the Injured Eagle
On January 20, 2026, a gamekeeper on an estate near Stanhope in the Scottish Borders found the injured golden eagle. Hamlet had been relocated to the area from the Outer Hebrides in 2023 as part of a conservation project. The raptor was equipped with a satellite tracking device, which aided in the investigation.
A veterinarian treated Hamlet for shotgun pellet wounds to its wing. Following medical care, the eagle recovered fully and was released back into its natural habitat. The Scottish SPCA confirmed that Hamlet was fit to fly after the traumatic incident.
Police Investigation into the Shooting
After reviewing tracking data, police believe Hamlet was shot during the first week of January 2026 in an area between Stanhope and Glenbreck, off the A701 road. Detective Sergeant David Lynn, the national wildlife crime co-ordinator at Police Scotland, expressed disappointment at another case of golden eagle persecution.
“It is extremely disappointing that we are investigating another golden eagle persecution crime,” said DS Lynn. “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.”
Conservationists React with Anger and Relief
Michael Clarke, a Dumfriesshire farmer and chairman of Restoring Upland Nature, which managed Hamlet's relocation project, shared his mixed emotions. “Everyone at Restoring Upland Nature is incredibly relieved that the Scottish SPCA has declared Hamlet fit to fly following his traumatic shooting,” he stated.
Clarke credited the quick actions of gamekeepers and the project's eagle officer for ensuring Hamlet's swift rescue. However, he also expressed anger and disappointment, saying, “We are angry, upset and disappointed that Hamlet was injured at the hands of an individual or individuals who consider themselves above the law. Whoever committed this deplorable wildlife crime should hang their heads in shame.”
He emphasised the importance of golden eagles in the region, adding, “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.”
Context of Previous Golden Eagle Incidents
This incident follows a similar case in October 2023, when a golden eagle named Merrick went missing from its usual hunting grounds across southern Scotland and northern England. Police later concluded that the female raptor had likely been shot, highlighting ongoing concerns about wildlife crime targeting these protected birds.
The investigation into Hamlet's shooting remains active, with police appealing for public assistance to identify those responsible. Golden eagles are a protected species in the UK, and harming them is a serious criminal offence under wildlife protection laws.
