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Golden Eagle Given Protection
Protection is being increased for one of Scotland's most iconic species.

Six new sites are being designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the golden eagle.

Covering more than 350,000 hectares of Northern and Western Scotland they will bring some 80 additional breeding territories into the current network of eight sites.

The Scottish Government has decided to go ahead with the plans after they received broad support in a consultation by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) earlier this year.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "It's fitting that we're taking further steps to protect golden eagles as they are one of Scotland's most iconic species.

"People come here from across the world with the hope of catching just a glimpse of one of these beautiful birds in their natural environment. These new protected areas will mean they can continue to do this for generations to come.

"We have a duty to protect our biodiversity but that doesn't mean that we should rule out economic activity in our countryside. I know these designations are often seen as constraints on development but the potential for conflict can be minimised with careful planning."

The Special Areas of Protection are:

    * Glen Affric to Strathconon (in the Central Highlands and Ross-shire)
    * Cairngorms Massif
    * Foinaven (at Durness)
    * Moidart & Ardgour (near Fort William)
    * Glen Etive (near Bridge of Orchy) to Glen Fyne (near Arrochar)
    * Jura, Scarba and the Garvellachs (off the West coast)

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."