Licences to control wild birds have been suspended following golden eagle's disappearance

Scotland's nature agency has suspended licences to control wild birds from a sporting estate and woodland amid allegations of wildlife crime - which includes the disappearance of a golden eagle feared shot and killed.

NatureScot has restricted the use of general licences at Raeshaw Estate and Watherston Wood in the Scottish Borders for three years. The Scottish government agency said the decision was made based on evidence provided by Police Scotland of alleged wildlife crime against birds.

The evidence was said to have included the sudden disappearance of satellite-tagged golden eagle Merrick, who disappeared in October 2023. Golden eagle blood, feathers and shotgun cartridge wadding were recovered from the Fountainhall area between Heriot and Stow, her last known location.

Chris Dailly, NatureScot's head of licensing, said: "We have decided, in discussion with Police Scotland, to suspend the use of general licences on this land for three years until January 2029. "The police have recorded Merrick's disappearance as a crime and have provided robust evidence to NatureScot to support this.

"We are committed to using all the tools we have available to tackle wildlife crime. "This measure will help to protect wild birds in the area, while still allowing necessary land management activities to take place.

"We believe this is a proportionate response to protect wild birds and prevent further wildlife crime. "We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and consider information they provide on cases which may warrant restricting general licences." Read more from Sky News:Police probe after golden eagle found with shotgun injuries General licences allow landowners or land managers to carry out control of common species of wild birds, such as crows and magpies, to protect crops or livestock, without the need to apply for an individual licence.

NatureScot said individual licences may still be applied for, but these will be subject to "strict record-keeping and reporting requirements and will be closely monitored to ensure licence conditions are met". Raeshaw Estate has been contacted for comment.

Merrick had been relocated from Rottal Estate in the Angus Glens to the Scottish Borders in 2022 as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) to boost numbers in the area. Before her disappearance, she was said to be "thriving and exploring" across Scotland and Northern England.

Police Scotland and Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) - the new home of SSGEP - have been contacted for comment..