RSPB Scotland looking for information.

A Golden Eagle has died after being caught in an illegal trap in Scotland, and the country's RSPB branch are offering a reward for information that leads to a successful prosecution in the case.

The bird had been fitted with a satellite transmitter which showed it had not moved for several days, and its body was found under a tree on a quiet country road near Aboyne on Deeside.

RSPB Scotland believe the bird would have suffered a "lingering death" after its legs were broken by a trap, and are offering a £1000 reward for information.

A post mortem concluded that the bird had suffered two broken legs due to trauma "that could be constant with an injury caused by a spring type trap" and that the severity of these injuries "would prevent the bird from being able to take off."

Stuart Housden, RSPB Scotland director, added: "Anyone who cares about our wildlife will be disgusted by what appears to be an appalling crime and the lengths taken to hide the facts from discovery. Whilst efforts to stamp out the illegal poisoning of birds of prey are perhaps beginning to yield results, this dreadful case shows that the persecution of our raptors continues through the use of traps and other means."

However, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association has revealed that it will be carrying out its own inquiry because it believes there are "irregularities" in the case.