Licences to control wild birds have been suspended following golden eagle's disappearance
NatureScot has restricted the use of general licences at Raeshaw Estate and Watherston Wood in the Scottish Borders for three years.
Tuesday 10 February 2026 20:56, UK
Scotland's nature agency has suspended licences to control wild birds from a sporting estate and woodland amid allegations of wildlife crime - which includes the disappearance of a golden eagle feared shot and killed.
NatureScot has restricted the use of general licences at Raeshaw Estate and Watherston Wood in the Scottish Borders for three years.
The Scottish government agency said the decision was made based on evidence provided by Police Scotland of alleged wildlife crime against birds.
The evidence was said to have included the sudden disappearance of satellite-tagged golden eagle Merrick, who disappeared in October 2023. Golden eagle blood, feathers and shotgun cartridge wadding were recovered from the Fountainhall area between Heriot and Stow, her last known location.
Raeshaw Estate has said it will challenge NatureScot's decision "vigorously through an appeal", and has claimed there is "no evidence the estate or any of its employees were in any way responsible" for Merrick's disappearance.
Chris Dailly, NatureScot's head of licensing, said: "We have decided, in discussion with Police Scotland, to suspend the use of general licences on this land for three years until January 2029.
"The police have recorded Merrick's disappearance as a crime and have provided robust evidence to NatureScot to support this.
"We are committed to using all the tools we have available to tackle wildlife crime.
"This measure will help to protect wild birds in the area, while still allowing necessary land management activities to take place.
"We believe this is a proportionate response to protect wild birds and prevent further wildlife crime.
"We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and consider information they provide on cases which may warrant restricting general licences."
Read more from Paste BN:
Police probe after golden eagle found with shotgun injuries
General licences allow landowners or land managers to carry out control of common species of wild birds, such as crows and magpies, to protect crops or livestock, without the need to apply for an individual licence.
NatureScot said individual licences may still be applied for, but these will be subject to "strict record-keeping and reporting requirements and will be closely monitored to ensure licence conditions are met".
A spokesperson for Raeshaw Estate said: "The decision by NatureScot to restrict the estate's general licence is wholly unjustified. We will challenge it vigorously through an appeal.
"We share the frustration felt by many about Merrick's disappearance but there is no evidence the estate or any of its employees were in any way responsible.
"The estate has zero tolerance for raptor persecution and remains fully committed to respecting wildlife, nature and the environment.
"Merrick's last established position was not on land owned or managed by our estate. The location was in a nearby wood where other parties have access and are permitted to shoot.
"No employee of the estate was charged as a result of a lengthy police investigation which concluded nearly 20 months ago."
Raeshaw Estate said NatureScot had "conceded there was an unacceptable delay" in dealing with the case.
The spokesperson added: "We also provided expert veterinary testimony to NatureScot stating there was insufficient evidence to ascertain the bird had been killed by criminal means and that DNA analysis was inconclusive.
"In reaching its decision NatureScot confirmed the estate was not suspected of any other contraventions of land management regulations.
"This decision is even more disappointing given that NatureScot has acknowledged the estate is a supporter of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.
"We welcome the presence of eagles on the estate, and we enjoy frequent visits from the species."
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Paste BN app for free
Merrick had been relocated from Rottal Estate in the Angus Glens to the Scottish Borders in 2022 as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) to boost numbers in the area.
Before her disappearance, she was said to be "thriving and exploring" across Scotland and Northern England.
Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) - the new home of SSGEP - said it welcomes "all measures available to tackle wildlife crime and protect golden eagles, while still allowing necessary land management activities to take place".
Dr Cat Barlow, chief executive of RUN, added: "We look forward to a time when everyone with a firearm or shotgun licence recognises the importance and enjoyment of having golden eagles soaring high."
Police Scotland was contacted for comment.