VISITORS TO Blair Atholl this summer may be able to watch the domestic life of the Highlands’ most charismatic bird: the golden eagle.

An eyrie at a secret location high on Atholl Estate is being filmed by CCTV as part of a study by the Tayside Raptor Group into the diet and feeding of young eagles.

In a project involving Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forestry Commission and Atholl Estates, there will be viewing points in Blair Castle and the Atholl Rangers Service headquarters in Blair Atholl so the public can also see the daily activity in the nest.

The project depends on the co-operation of the golden eagles, but as they have used the site for several years it is hoped they will return to raise another brood.

Atholl estate general manager Andrew Bruce Wooton said it was thought the eagles would nest this month, with the young hatching in late April or early May.

It is believed to be the first golden eagle site to be viewed by the public in Scotland and is expected to attract thousands of visitors. It is also hoped the images will be put on the internet to allow many more people to watch.