Scotland’s eagle numbers soar
After the species was first reintroduced into Scotland in 1975, the number of white-tailed eagles (also known as sea eagles) has gone from strength to strength with an estimated 80 breeding pairs today. Once a regular sight in Scotland’s skies, the white-tailed eagle was driven to extinction in the Victorian era. Between 2007-13 a further 85 sea eagles were reintroduced to Scotland’s east coast; the species is now also spotted in central Scotland. Though reintroduction has met with some controversy, an RSPB Scotland study found that at least £5m per year can be generated for local economy through eagle-spotting tourism.