Motion · S6M-07163 · 7 Dec 2022

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project Soars to New Heights

Lodged by Finlay Carson (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party) Standard Motion 32 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament warmly congratulates the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, a pioneering conservation scheme in the Moffat hills that has now been named Scottish project of the year in the National Lottery awards; notes that the project was established five years ago to help ensure the survival of the iconic species by aiming to reinforce the small, isolated and vulnerable population of golden eagles in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders by increasing numbers and preventing the loss of Scotland’s national bird from the southern skies; welcomes the construction of five custom-built aviaries in a secret location where the translocated eagles will spend a brief two months before being released into the local hills as well as the Highlands; acknowledges that its work, led by project manager Dr Cat Barlow, has now resulted in an encouraging rise in numbers, despite the fact that the birds take five years to mature to breeding, as the young birds learn to hunt and find their territories; recognises what it sees as the vital contribution played by the National Lottery in providing essential financial support to this six-year project; welcomes the project bringing together all countryside users to ensure the wellbeing and successful future of this iconic symbol of wilderness and freedom for future generations to enjoy, and wishes the project continued success in the coming months.

Supporters (32)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.