Hunt for person who shot golden eagle with gun

A hunt has been launched after a golden eagle was shot with a shotgun.

The bird was discovered injured by an estate gamekeeper in Stanhope in the Scottish Borders on Thursday, January 15.

The animal was wearing a satellite tracking device and was identified as Hamlet, a four-year-old golden eagle that had been relocated from the Outer Hebrides to the Borders in 2023.

Hamlet was examined by a vet, who confirmed shotgun pellet injuries to his wing. He received treatment and made a full recovery. Hamlet has since been returned to the wild.

The shooting was reported to police on Tuesday, January 20.

Wildlife officers are appealing to the public for information.

Officers investigating the crime have reviewed Hamlet’s tracking data and following consultation with raptor and veterinary experts, it’s believed Hamlet was shot during the first week of January 2026 in an area between Stanhope and Glenbreck, off the A701 Broughton to Moffat Road.

Detective Sergeant David Lynn, national wildlife crime coordinator, said: “It is extremely disappointing that we are investigating another golden eagle persecution crime. Very few people would have the means, opportunity and motive to commit this crime and I would urge anyone with any information to contact us so we can identify whoever is responsible for shooting Hamlet.”

Police Scotland, with the support of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, is conducting enquiries in the local area to identify the culprit.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1221 of February 3, 2026. Alternatively, you can pass on your information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 800 555 111.