A PIONEERING nature project has revealed a new record number of golden eagles are soaring in southern Scottish skies.

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project was set up to boost dwindling numbers of the iconic bird across the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. 

And it has confirmed there are now around 47 golden eagles in the area - the highest number recorded in the last three centuries.

The team released eight free-flying sub adult eagles from the Outer Hebrides between 2023 and 2024 in a secret location in the southern uplands of Scotland.

The project previously collected 28 chicks from the Highlands and islands and released them in southern Scotland from 2018 to 2023.

In 2022 it became the first in the world to successfully translocate seven free-flying young golden eagles to boost the low population.

Project manager Dr Cat Barlow said: “This novel approach has provided a significant boost in our efforts to ensure golden eagles truly flourish in southern skies and is proving to be a groundbreaking technique for global raptor conservation management.”

Francesca Osowska, NatureScot’s chief executive, added: “The success of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project is an inspiration, boosting the number of eagles in the region enormously over the last six years. 

“This initiative is a brilliant example of partnership working between land managers and conservation and government agencies to achieve that end. We thank everyone involved for all their continued hard work and determination.

“We’re passionate about returning golden eagles to the places where they used to thrive. 

“With wildlife declining across the globe, this project is a vital part of the wide-ranging work taking place in Scotland to protect and restore wildlife, reverse biodiversity loss and combat the climate emergency.”

The project announced Hamza Yassin, wildlife cameraman, presenter, author and winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2022, as the keynote speaker for the Moffat Eagle Festival in September.

He said: “It’s truly wonderful to hear that there are new record numbers of golden eagles soaring in southern Scottish skies thanks to the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. 

“My hope is that soon these majestic birds will be seen right across the UK.”

The project’s current funding is coming to an end and it is seeking new major funders and donors.