Championing the Golden Eagle - project aims to restore 'King of the Skies' to areas where it has long been extinct

                                                                      

                                                                  

Ambitious to stretch its wings further - the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project is aiming to raise £400,000 

THE  South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project has launched an  appeal in a bid to secure its long-term future.

With its funding due to end in December,  the Moffatt-based project needs £400,000 to save it from being run down after six years' worth of achievement.

If it achieves its goal, it will relaunch as a standalone charity named RUN (Restoring Upland Nature) with a view to restoring Golden Eagles to other areas of Britain where they have become extinct.

Launching the appeal, the project's chairman Michael Clarke, said: "Thanks to our reintroduction initiatives, Golden Eagles are  again flying in the skies of southern Scotland.

"Six years ago, there were fewer than 10 eagles in the area. Today, there are nearly 50 -  that’s the highest number the region has seen for over 300 years.

"Communities across the region are  benefitting environmentally, socially and culturally. 

"We should love to keep this momentum going, and  the public appeal  is absolutely crucial to making this a reality."

BBC-TV  Springwatch  presenter Iolo Williams, who is a supporter of the project and a previous keynote speaker at the annual Moffat Eagle Festival, said: "When I think of all the birds I’d love to see in Wales once more, I have to say top of my list would be the Golden Eagle. 

"It became extinct in Wales around 400 years ago, and, within the last 30 years, they became extinct in England as well."

More details about the project and the appeal are at South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk)