The number of legally protected birds of prey killed as a result of the mass poisoning on the Black Isle, near Inverness, has risen to 16. Police have also confirmed that they were illegally poisoned using a banned substance which the Police are not naming at the moment. Toxicology tests on the remaining six birds, four red kites and two buzzards, found dead in and around the Conon Bridge area are continuing.
Red Kite
The total reward being offered for information on one of Scotland’s worst raptor poisoning incidents has now risen to over £32,000, including a £12,000 donation from a group of farmers and landowners in the Moray Firth. However despite the discovery of the birds on March 18 and subsequent days, Police raids on a number of Black Isle farms a few weeks later, and a mass protest involving hundreds of people in Inverness, the likelihood of a prosecution seems no further forward.
The identification of the banned substance ruled out rumours that the birds had died as a result of tainted meat given at the RSPB Red Kite feeding site at Tollie.
Ian Ross, Chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) told the BBC that the Black Isle raptor poisonings risked badly damaging Scotland’s £1.4 billion eco tourism industry. Mr Ross attacked those responsible for causing “an appalling level of natural heritage and wildlife damage” and said the deaths were “shocking, grim and distressing.”
The Police have issued the following statement in relation to the incident, “Police Scotland is continuing to work in close collaboration with partner agencies. Landowners and farmers in the local area are also continuing to assist police with their ongoing enquiries.
“Police are keen to speak to anyone who has any information about the incident and would encourage them to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”