Police Launch Investigation After Golden Eagle Shot in Southern Scotland
Police Scotland have opened an investigation following the discovery of a golden eagle with shotgun injuries in the south of Scotland. The rare bird of prey, 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 Treatment 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 fitted with a satellite tracking device, which aided in his location and subsequent rescue. The bird had sustained shotgun pellet wounds to its wing, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
A vet treated the injuries, and remarkably, Hamlet recovered completely. After receiving care, he was released back into his natural habitat. Police have reviewed the tracking data from the device and believe the shooting occurred during the first week of January 2026 in an area between Stanhope and Glenbreck, off the A701 road.
Background and Previous Incidents
Hamlet was originally relocated to the Scottish Borders from the Outer Hebrides in 2023 as part of conservation efforts. This incident is not isolated; in October 2023, another golden eagle named Merrick went missing from its usual hunting grounds across southern Scotland and northern England. Police later concluded that Merrick, a female raptor, had likely been shot, highlighting a pattern of persecution against these protected birds.
Police Appeal for Information
Detective Sergeant David Lynn, the national wildlife crime co-ordinator at Police Scotland, expressed disappointment over the case. He stated, “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.”
The police are treating this as a serious wildlife crime and are appealing to the public for any details that could lead to the identification of the perpetrator. Golden eagles are a protected species under UK law, and harming them is a criminal offence.
This investigation underscores ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation and the need for vigilance against illegal activities targeting endangered species in rural areas.
