The Nature Observatory at Loch Stiapabhat Local Nature Reserve in Ness, Isle of Lewis officially opened last week. Roy Dennis MBE was invited to speak at a short brunch event in Ness before those in attendance grabbed their boots, scopes and jackets and made their way to the loch for the opening of the new observatory. The event was opened by Agnes Rennie, Chair of Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn and guests heard a little about the project from Urras Manager Lisa Maclean, who explained that the project was funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, LEADER, RSPB and the John Muir Trust and…

Around a hundred protesters gathered on Inverness High Street this afternoon following the deaths of nineteen birds of prey around the Black Isle over recent weeks. Tests already carried out have confirmed that 12 of the birds were victims of illegal poisoning. Many of the dead birds had been tagged as chicks as part of a conservation project. Nineteen white cut-outs of red kites and buzzards were displayed as the protest – which was called by RSPB North Scotland – was led by a lament on the bagpipes from Davie Mitchell. Those attending then heard speeches from the renowned naturalist…

There have been a number of developments in the ingoing scandal of the birds of prey deaths on the Black Isle near Inverness. The number of dead birds found has now risen to 19, with 14 red kites and 5 buzzards; twelve of them now having poisoning as the confirmed cause of death. Police have today raided a number of farms on the Black Isle, with up 10 police vehicles arriving at the farms and officers searching farm houses, outbuildings, barns and bins. “Police are currently conducting searches in the Conon Brae area as part of ongoing enquiries into a…

RSPB Scotland has set up a Justgiving web page after being inundated by calls from members of the public asking to contribute to a reward for information about the deaths of 16 birds of prey. The conservation charity is responding to an outpouring of support from the public, many of whom have expressed a wish to donate money. Police Scotland confirmed earlier this week that 12 red kites and four buzzards were found dead in Ross-shire. At least some of the birds were illegally poisoned. RSPB Scotland is offering a £5,000 reward for information that leads to a successful conviction.…

Conservation projects in the Trossachs and on the Isle of Skye are in the running to win funding from the European Outdoor Conservation Association in a public vote which closes tomorrow. The Skye project is in the running in the Alpine category of the awards, and would see the John Muir Trust win cash to pay for repairs to the path up the iconic mountain, Bla Bheinn. The mountain guards the entrance to the Black Cuillin range on the Isle of Skye, and stands in rugged wild land ringed by coastal villages, sea lochs and native woodland. Chris Goodman, the…