Golden eagle disappears in “suspicious" circumstances
The missing eagle had been translocated as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.
The police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward following the disappearance of a golden eagle in the Scottish Borders.
Merrick, a female golden eagle, was last seen on Thursday, 12 October to the west of Fountainhall, between Heriot and Stow.
Despite a search of the area, after she was reported missing on Wednesday, 18 October, Merrick has not been found and the police are treating her disappearance as “suspicious”.
The eagle had been translocated to the Scottish Borders last year as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. The conservation scheme aims to increase the species’ population in the region by relocating eagles from further north.
The chair of the project, Michael Clarke, said: “The disappearance of any golden eagle is extremely upsetting, but particularly when there is evidence to suggest that they have come to harm under suspicious circumstances.”
Eagles in the project are satellite-tagged and their location monitored. Police Scotland are continuing to investigate the disappearance.
Detective sergeant David Lynn, Police Scotland wildlife crime coordinator, said: “We are determined to protect these magnificent birds. We work closely with a number of partners to tackle wildlife crime, which can be challenging and complex to investigate.
“As our enquiry continues I would urge anyone with any information that may assist to contact us through 101 quoting reference number 1193 of 18 October. Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Image © Shutterstock
Livestock keepers are being urged to stay vigilant for Bluetongue (BTV-3) following confirmation of the disease in a ewe. The case, confirmed in Staffordshire on 23 June 2026, represents the first confirmed case of infection this summer.
