Where Eagles Dare To Be Seen Live On CCTV

13th April 2011

Live pictures of a golden eagle nest at a secret location in north west Scotland are set to be beamed to tourists and locals under an innovative new scheme macked by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

A new CCTV camera is perched at the site in an area of west Sutherland and is set to go live at Easter on a large screen in the Assynt Visitor Centre in Lochinver, Sutherland.

This will let enthusiasts experience what it must be like to get up close and personal with golden eagles among the soaring peaks and glens of the north west.

The pioneering initiative offers people the chance to become inspired by golden eagles which, as a top predator, play an important role in the upland ecology of the Highlands.

And it aims to boost eco-tourism in the Assynt area and promote golden eagle conservation while fostering excellent ways of working with the local community.

Techniques at the nest site and the visitor centre are tried and tested having been used previously during live TV transmissions. And radio links and solar panels will be used in the cutting edge scheme which will ensure people of all ages and abilities have the chance to witness intimate views of golden eagles without causing disturbance.

Last year a young golden eagle from Assynt Foundation land - named Suilven by school pupils - was satellite tagged by Roy Dennis of the Highland Foundation for Wildlife, with funding from SNH. Suilven's movements and behaviour are contributing to knowledge and further scientific research on golden eagle movements, distribution and survival rates.

Children from Stoer and Lochinver Primary Schools (P1-7) have been tracing the movements of Suilven and learning about how eagles are top of the upland food chain. The children have built their own 'eagle nest' and created a special 'eagle game' of snakes and ladders. This shows the possible futures for a young eagle as it leaves the nest through to establishing his/her own territory and potential threats and hazards they face on their way to maturity.

Others in the community including the Highland Council Ranger Service; Assynt Tourist Group; Assynt Field Club; community members and the Assynt Foundation as well as SNH devoted time and energy to making the project become a reality.

Golden eagles number around 442 pairs from the last survey in 2003.

Sadly, they are at risk in some parts of Scotland for natural as well as human-related reasons. To help the birds survive, carrion will be left in winter.

Lesley Cranna, SNH's area manager, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be involved in this golden eagle CCTV camera project which uses impressive technology at a golden eagle nest to show the lives of our golden eagles.

"We hope our work with the Assynt Foundation and the local community will help to stimulate eco-tourism in the area. In addition to the stunning landscapes of this area, it provides a new attraction for visitors. I am very pleased that our local schoolchildren have been involved as they will have an active part to play in the future conservation efforts for golden eagles.

"Through this project they understand the importance of conserving our golden eagles and the way their success as a top predator can give an indication of a healthy ecosystem."

The golden eagle is the subject of conservation efforts as it is judged to be at risk from illegal persecution on some sporting estates. It is hoped that the Lochinver initiative will show that it is possible to manage a sporting estate while at the same time support birds of prey and encourage biodiversity.

Mark Lazzeri, the Assynt Foundation's development manager, who manages their estates, said: "The Foundation has been working with the Highland Raptor Study group to help re-establish golden eagles in Ireland and we were delighted for Roy Dennis to satellite tag our eagle chick 'Suilven' last year.

"It is, however, through satellite tagging and other work that we know that golden eagles are still at risk from illegal persecution on some sporting estates. We hope that this project will help demonstrate that it is possible to manage a sporting estate whilst at the same time protecting and encouraging these magnificent birds of prey. That the eagles are at the top of the food web is indicative of a balanced and diverse ecosystem."

Highland Council's Ranger Service is expected to work with the schoolchildren on environmental education projects centred on the golden eagle. And the tourism group will help prepare information and display boards about the eagle, its history in the area, and its cultural significance to the people of the Highlands

The project will be carried out with the appropriate licence and advice from members of the Highland Raptor study group. A £9837 contribution from SNH has been offered to the Assynt Foundation for the golden eagle CCTV camera.

Maybe next they can think about a live webcam to show the whole world.