Estate owners echo police appeal for help over shot red kite in Strathspey

Scottish Land & Estates have launched their own appeal for information following the shooting of a bird of prey in the Highlands.

This afternoon the Strathy published the police force's appeal for assistance and now the SLE – the membership organisation for landowners, rural businesses and rural professionals – have echoed the call.

Police Scotland officers were called to a location at Lochindorb Estate near Grantown today after reports came in that a red kite had been shot.

The bird was later found but had to be euthanised.

Ross Ewing, moorland director at SLE, said: “We echo Police Scotland’s call for information on this matter and would urge anyone that is able to assist the police’s inquiries to contact them as soon as possible.

“Everyone should do all they can to assist in tackling raptor crime, and the death of a protected bird of prey in these circumstances is deeply concerning.

"We hope the facts are established urgently and anyone with details that can assist police comes forward.”

SLE pointed out that they promote the wide range of benefits land-based businesses provide: "Tourist attractions, leisure facilities and landscapes enjoyed by the public, as well as, housing, employment, tourism & enterprise and farming opportunities."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1760 of Monday, 27 March, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111