We can also now confirm that SUP will host the South Scotland Golden Eagle Project which has funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, both Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway LEADER programmes and support from a wide range of partners including RSPB, SNH, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates and ScottishPower Renewables. The project will be managed by Dr Cat Barlow and will create an additional three and a half full time posts. Many of you will know Cat from her work with the Langholm Initiative and we are delighted that she is now joining the SUP team. This is how Cat defines the project:

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) is an exciting, ambitious and collaborative project between land managers and conservationists working to increase the breeding population and range of golden eagles in the South of Scotland. Identified by the Scottish Government as a priority for its biodiversity conservation programme, this offers a ground-breaking opportunity to galvanise community interest and support for Scotland’s iconic bird.

Once widespread, the population of golden eagles in the South of Scotland is now tiny and fragmented. Scientific work already commissioned by our project team is pointing to reinforcement of this population through translocation as the best means of reviving the population.  Our legacy will be a healthier and viable population of golden eagles in the South of Scotland, enjoyed and supported by local communities and land managers, and forming the basis for greatly enhanced eco-tourism opportunities and wider economic development.

South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project partners include Buccleuch Estates, Scottish Land & Estates, RSPB Scotland, SNH, Forestry Commission Scotland and Southern Uplands Partnership. Details of the new posts will be available on the website shortly: www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk.