This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sea eagles - see Mull
30/07/2003
Scotland's first ever sea eagle project has been
attracting local people and tourists holidaying on
Mull.
The project, on the shores of Loch Frisa, ensures the
eagles' protection while meeting the increasing demand from
visitors to see them.
Visiting the Island's viewing hide today, the Forestry
Minister Allan Wilson met the groups involved in the
initiative and took the opportunity to look out for the
birds.
Mr Wilson said:
"Scotland's rich wildlife is a fantastic treasure to
protect and enhance. This very successful project is a
great example of what can be achieved when like-minded
partners work together to a common goal. This pioneering
initiative truly demonstrates that wildlife can bring real
benefits to rural communities in Scotland.
"The success of the hide is that visitors get to
experience the thrill of seeing these huge magnificent
birds of prey in action. The viewing facility allows us to
learn more about the birds and also, very importantly for
Mull, bring in many tourists to the area which acts as a
boost for the local economy."
The Minister added that action was underway to safeguard
Scotland's precious national heritage:
"Our proposals in the Nature Conservation Bill will
result in new legislation, further protecting and enhancing
our most treasured natural assets whilst providing a
welcome boost for green tourism."
Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage,
RSPB Scotland and the Mull & Iona Community Trust have
all been working together over the past five years with
Strathclyde Police's wildlife unit to help protect and
watch over the eagles. Because of the increasing demand
from visitors to see the eagles, the partners decided to
manage the site with the establishment of a viewing
hide.
A pair of birds have been nesting on Loch Frisa's shores
for the last five years. The eagles have proved to be very
tolerant of the many and varied activities going on around
them, including timber haulage operations, road maintenance
and walkers and cyclists enjoying the island.
This is the third year that the project has been up and
running and this season has gone particularly well with the
site being visited by locals, school groups, tourists and
commercial wildlife operators.
Recently visitors were treated to witnessing the two
fledgling eagles flying from the nest for the very first
time. A world first was also created this summer with a
live webcam link established at the nest, giving direct
internet access to the chicks as they developed.