AROUND 20 more chicks of the truly spectacular white tailed sea eagle arrived in Scotland yesterday en route to specially-constructed aviaries at a secret location in the north of Fife.

The chicks, which were brought from nests in Norway, were given a VIP welcome at Edinburgh Airport as environment minister Michael Russell helped launch the second phase of a programme which has already seen newly-introduced birds travel hundreds of miles across Scotland and to sites as far off as Skye and Mull.

The sea eagles—which grow to have an eight-foot wingspan and are even bigger than golden eagles —disappeared from the UK in Victorian times due to human persecution.

Now, though, a five-year partnership called East Scotland Sea Eagles (ESSE) —which involves RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Forest- ry Commission Scotland— is making great strides in bringing the “flying barn doors” back to the east of the country after successful reintroductions to the west coast since the 1970s.

Mr Russell said the sea eagle is truly a magnificent bird and a cornerstone of Scotland’s species reintroduction programme.

“As well as enhancing Scotland’s biodiversity, the eagles on Mull have proven to be a significant tourist attraction,” he added.

“Having already visited them in Norway, I am very proud to welcome these chicks to Scotland and look forward to seeing them flourish in the wild.

“Like everyone else I also hope to hear of them breeding in the next few years.

“I am confident that we will soon look back and find it strange that we ever did without these incredible birds,” the minister said.

RSPB Scotland sea eagle project officer Claire Smith said there is no better sight than these giants of the sky soaring overhead.

“Last year’s chicks had a really great year, with over 700 sightings by the public all over eastern Scotland.

“People are really proud when they see them and I’m sure that as the project moves on, these spectacular birds will become an increasingly common sight all over Scotland—just as they should be.”

The initiative has also been welcomed by the environment manager for Forestry Commission Scotland Moira Baptie, who said Scotland’s forests and woodlands are an oasis for iconic species.

“Our forests are a fantastic natural asset and rich in biodiversity, so it is fitting that the sea eagles are being re-introduced to them.”

Last year 15 of the birds were released and of these 11 are left—seven males and four females.

Two were electrocuted, one disappeared in the Angus glens and one died of unknown causes.

Often seen exploring in pairs, the birds have spent the last year exploring the coast, straths, glens and firths, and living on a diet including carrion, rabbits, geese and gulls.

Sightings can be reported by Email to eastscotland seaeagles@rspb.org.uk