The Species Framework Analysis for Golden Eagle has been published by SNH. Much of the data provided for the analysis represents years of active fieldwork by members of Raptor Groups throughout Scotland. Unfortunately the report confirms that some parts of Scotland no longer have viable populations of Golden Eagles despite having the ideal habitat conditions for the species to thrive. The report concludes that there is clear evidence of Golden Eagle decline in areas where there still appears to be use of illegal poisoned baits. The report found that only three of sixteen regions in Scotland had populations which were stable or expanding, and occupying most of the existing suitable habitat - all of these are in the west of Scotland. The most serious problems were found in the central and eastern Highlands , where less than half of the known territories were occupied, and the existing populations continue to decline. The report's authors looked at ten factors which could effect the Golden Eagle population. Results showed that illegal persecution is the most severe constraint on our Golden Eagle population preventing them from achieving a healthy population. The report can be downloaded from the SNH website at http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/Report%20No193.pdf and a full SNH press release is also available http://www.snh.org.uk/press/detail.asp?id=1909. Welcoming the report, Duncan Orr-Ewing head of species and land management at RSPB Scotland said "The Golden Eagle framework is a compelling report and provides conclusive evidence that illegal persecution of golden eagles has been the major factor in limiting both their recovery and spread across what should be prime available habitat in some parts of Scotland." The full press release is available from RSPB Scotland.

It is with deep regret that we carry the news that Roger Hayward, a dedicated raptor enthusiast from Dunfermline, died following a heart attack whilst on business in the south of England on 26th June 2008. Roger started working on Peregrines and Golden Eagles in north Perthshire in the 1980's. He was a founding member of the Tayside Raptor Study Group. At a time of conflict with many sporting estates, Roger was committed to working with gamekeepers and landowners, trying to initiate change and bring his enthusiasm for birds of prey to the wider community. Through these relationships he was able to provide active support for the Irish Golden Eagle reintroduction project www.goldeneagle.ie. He was also a major driving influence in the Atholl Estates Golden Eagle live webcam - http://www.atholl-estates.co.uk/golden-eagle.asp Always quiet and unassuming, Roger could be relied upon to provide wise counsel. He had a lovely sense of humour and a friend remarked that "he was always a joy to talk to and you always left him with a smile on your face." One of nature's gentlemen, he will be greatly missed by his many friends in the raptor world. Our sympathies are extended to his wife Chrissann, his son and daughter, and grandson. The funeral will be held in Dunfermline Crematorium at 1130 on Tuesday 8th July, 2008.

The second year of the East Scotland Sea Eagles (ESSE) reintroduction project rolls out to-day with the arrival of up to 20 chicks from Norway. Environment Minister Michael Russell visited Norway a week ago and will to-day welcome the young birds to Edinburgh Airport. Mr Russell said "The sea eagle is a truly magnificent bird and is one of the cornerstones of Scotland's species reintroduction programme. As well as enhancing Scotland's biodiversity, the eagles on Mull have proven to be a significant tourist attraction." I think we would add that it is not just Mull, but on Skye and the Western Isles, and any other place where there is a chance of seeing this magnificent birds. One of last year's east coast birds has already turned up on Mull and only this week a radio tagged east coast bird was seen on Skye. This is a species which remains vulnerable to mindless persecution and unfortunately a bird was shot in Angus earlier in the year, reflecting that the wellbeing of this ambitious scheme needs the wholehearted support of everyone. The criminal actions of some gamekeepers and sporting estates is regrettably predictable but should not deter all those who are determined to make a success of this project.

This is the annual newsletter produced by RSPB and SNH. Six new pairs were located in 2007 bringing the total number of territories occupied to 42. For the first time these are broken down by area showing 11 territories on Skye, a similar number on the Argyll islands though mainly Mull, 10 pairs in the Western Isles and a further 10 on Mainland and the Small Isles. Of these, 35 pairs laid eggs, 31 broods hatched and 24 pairs bred successfully fledging a record 34 young. The population is projected to continue to expand in the coming years. One 23 year old adult, imported from Norway during the first phase of the project, was found dead in 2007. It is now thought that most of the original imported Norwegian birds have been replaced in the breeding population by wild-bred young. Much of this information has already been published elsewhere, and the delay in producing reports of this nature until well into the 2008 season is disappointing.