Scotland’s environment watchdog has reported no evidence linking sea eagles to the disappearance of Shetland pony foals on South Uist, despite concerns raised by a local crofter.
Farmer Donald John Cameron claimed several of his young ponies vanished between May and July after he noticed white-tailed eagles circling nearby. But during routine nest inspections, NatureScot found no trace of foals — or lambs — in the two sea eagle nests located closest to Cameron’s land.
The farmer, however, argued the findings were inconclusive, since several other nests within a few miles had not been checked. “They’ll predate on anything,” Cameron told BBC Scotland, adding that future surveys should involve landowners and neighboring crofters. His ponies form part of his Long Island Retreats tourism venture.
Sea eagles, also called white-tailed eagles, have long been controversial in the Hebrides. While farmers often blame them for livestock losses, experts at the National Centre for Birds of Prey previously stated it was “most unlikely” the raptors could carry away a foal.
NatureScot said the inspections are part of an annual monitoring program to understand eagle diets and help safeguard livestock. Meanwhile, RSPB Scotland welcomed the inquiry, noting that decades of research show the birds feed mainly on fish, seabirds, and small mammals. “We continue to support an evidence-led approach to their management in Scotland,” the charity said.