Golden Eagles have always been a proud element in Scottish wildlife. People will tell you that a glimpse of an eagle soaring high over mountains and lochs is a memory to be treasured for a lifetime. However, despite the overall increase in eagle numbers throughout much of Scotland, this growth has not been seen in the areas south of the Central Belt. The small population of isolated and vulnerable eagles in Dumfries & Galloway and the Borders were at risk of disappearing.
To boost the numbers of eagles in the south, eaglets were relocated from eyries further north and brought to custom built aviaries at a secret location in the Moffat Hills. After a brief stay, they were released into the Southern Uplands to interact with the few resident eagles and provide more incentive for wandering birds to remain in the south.
All the released birds were fitted with satellite trackers, allowing the movements of the youngsters to be followed as they explore their new surroundings.
Nearly 50 Golden Eagles have now been released in the Moffat Hills – bringing the population to levels not seen in more than 300 years. They have sometimes been seen gliding effortlessly above the town, but they are more likely to be seen over the wild habitat between Tweedsmuir and the Grey Mare’s Tail.
Moffat was officially named Scotland’s (and the UK’s) first Eagle Town in September 2021. The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project is now run by the charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN).
