Wildlife officers probe shooting of Golden Eagle
Last updated 9th Feb 2026
A four-year-old golden eagle is recovering after being shot in the Scottish Borders.
Wildlife officers say the bird, named Hamlet, was found injured by a gamekeeper on an estate in Stanhope, near Peebles, last month - and vets confirmed he'd been hit by shotgun pellets.
Hamlet, who had been relocated from the Outer Hebrides to the Scottish Borders in 2023, has now been released back into the wild, but an investigation is underway to find out who shot him.
Responding to today’s news, Chair of Restoring Upland Nature, Dumfriesshire farmer Michael Clarke said: "Whoever committed this deplorable wildlife crime should hang their heads in shame.
"His recovery is thanks to the Scottish SPCA's outstanding care; as well as the quick reactions of the gamekeepers and our eagle officer, John, who ensured Hamlet was swiftly rescued before he came to further harm."
But he added: “We are angry, upset and disappointed that Hamlet was injured at the hands of an individual or individuals who consider themselves above the law."
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The iconic bird, which was wearing a satellite tracking device, was found on January 15th.
But, it's believed he was shot during the first week of January, in an area between Stanhope and Glenbreck - off the A701 road between Broughton and Moffat.
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Detective Sergeant David Lynn, National Wildlife Crime Coordinator, said: “It is extremely disappointing that we are investigating another golden eagle persecution crime.
"Very few people would have the means, opportunity and motive to commit this crime and I would urge anyone with any information to contact us so we can identify whoever is responsible for shooting Hamlet.”
Police Scotland, with the support of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, is conducting a thorough enquiry in the local area to identify the culprit.
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1221 of February 3rd. Alternatively, you can pass on your information anonymously to Crimestoppers using 800 555 111.
More to follow...
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