VISITORS to the Borders are being encouraged to celebrate the journey of a rare eagle this summer.

Born at the Mar Lodge Estate in Aberdeenshire, Mar'verick the rare white-tailed eagle had travelled to more than 20 National Trust for Scotland locations in the first three months of 2023.

Although Mar'verick – so named after the fighter pilot character in Top Gun – is yet to visit the Borders, locals and visitors to the region are invited to visit some of the Trust's Borders locations.

Stuart Maxwell, regional director for Edinburgh and East at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “The summer months are upon us and it is fantastic to see so many supporters, visitors and members enjoying our places.

"It is our charity’s privilege to share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage with everyone, and we are very grateful to all of our supporters who make this possible.

"By being part of the National Trust for Scotland, and visiting our places, you are helping protect, share and enjoy the outdoor spaces and incredible historic buildings where memories are made.

“Over the coming months, we have some exciting projects coming to fruition which will give our supporters even more experiences to share this summer.

"Mar’verick has proven himself to be the Trust’s number one adventurer, visiting over 20 places since the beginning of this year.

"With a place for every interest, age and passion, we can’t wait to see people rise to Mar’verick’s challenge and see how many Trust places they can visit over the coming months.

"Through the careful conservation work the Trust is doing across Scotland to restore natural habitats and create the right environments for a range of wildlife, the charity’s places are now home to a wide range of species, including hen harriers, who have joined Mar’verick on Mar Lodge Estate."

Mar'verick was tracked by RSPB Scotland on his journey from Aberdeenshire better January and April.

Mar’verick’s adventures have inspired the conservation charity to call on the people of the Borders to follow his example and support its work to protect, share and enjoy nature, beauty and heritage this summer, by visiting some of the most unique and special places in Scotland.

In the Borders this summer, locals and tourists can visit Harmony Gardens and Melrose Abbey, and the nearby Eildon Hills.

On the Borders coastline, visitors can take in the array of sea life around Eyemouth and St Abbs.

Membership costs start at £3.20 for those aged 16 to 24, £5.50 for adults and £4.85 per month for those aged 60 and over.

For more information on the National Trust for Scotland, visit: www.nts.org.uk.