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The discovery of the dead eagle led to a joint investigation by Lothian and Borders Police, RSPB Scotland, the Scottish SPCA and the Scottish Executive. On 12th August investigators found a poisoned bait on a grouse moor.

The female bird was one half of the only breeding pair in the area. The pair raised a chick this year and there is now concern for its safety. Although the young bird is semi-independent it was still being fed by both parents.

PC Mark Rafferty, Wildlife Officer with Lothian and Borders Police said, "Despite the efforts of myself and other wildlife crime officers and our partners, the illegal and indiscriminate use of poisons is still alive and well in the Borders area.

"This incident goes to show that people are still willing to take this risk, and the result is that one of Scotland’s finest birds has now been destroyed.

"This is criminal behaviour, and I’d ask the public and particularly the gamekeeping community to come forward with information on this or any illegal wildlife crime."

Bob Elliot, head of investigations at RSPB Scotland said, "Now, after 9 or 10 years together, the Borders has lost its only breeding pair of golden eagles, and we hope that by offering a reward, a member of the public will help the police to catch the perpetrator and bring them to justice."

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Border Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

International Falconry Forum reward

The golden eagle poisoning has attracted the attention of people around the world. A posting on the International Falconry Forum website has had 1,200 hits and 87 replies and within 24 hours the group had gathered more than £1000 in reward offers from its members. Owner of the site, Paul Hill told the BBC that "people were outraged".

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