SCOTTISH gamekeepers have claimed they have been subjected to “trial by media” following the latest disappearance of a tagged golden eagle.
It was revealed last week that transmissions from the tag worn by the bird, called Fred, suddenly stopped on January 21. They resumed three days later but ended after a further two days, with GPS data giving a final position 15 miles off Scotland’s east coast.
Fred had been tagged by wildlife broadcaster and environmentalist Chris Packham, pictured with a photograph of the bird, above, and the campaign group Raptor Persecution UK at a nest in the Borders last summer. Packham said after the GPS transmissions stopped: “Once again, we have the suspicious disappearance of a satellite-tagged golden eagle in an area managed for driven grouse shooting.”
The Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association said this potentially pointed the finger at gamekeepers when there was no evidence to that effect. A spokesman said: “Trial by media has already taken place. We need to find out the truth about what happened to this eagle.
“It is not enough for those in possession of the satellite tag evidence to walk away, after presenting their judgement to the media. Serious allegations have been made.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel