Queen's lost pigeon found in Haddington

The grounded bird was discovered by the Scottish SPCA and has now been returned to its loft in Sandringham.

Published 25th Feb 2016

A lost pigeon, which belongs to the Queen, has been found by animal welfare officers in Haddington.

Experts from the Scottish SPCA were alerted when the grounded bird was spotted at the town's Traprain Terrace.

The bird has since been returned to the royal loft at Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Animal Rescue Officer Connie O'Neill said, "I've rescued many pigeons during my career with the Scottish SPCA but this was certainly a first for me.

"I was really excited when I found out it was one of the Queen's racing pigeons.

"We were able to identity where the pigeon had come from using the ring number on its leg and arrangements were made for it to be collected.

"The poor bird was exhausted and it was a cold, dark and windy night when it was found.

"Thankfully someone contacted us as it would have been very easy prey for a cat.

"It's quite common for racing pigeons to lose their way and become too tired to take off again. I'm really glad we were able to help in this instance."