PLANS for the reintroduction of golden eagles to the Scottish Borders are needing some public input.

Later this month representatives from the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project will host meetings in both Selkirk and Peebles.

The initiative to bring back the iconic birds has been backed with more than £1 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

And the scheme also has the blessing of the Scottish Government.

Cat Barlow, Project Manager at the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, told us: "We think this project is incredibly exciting.

"A revived population of golden eagles offers great opportunities for tourism and wider benefits for people and nature in the south of Scotland.

"Presentations at the public events will explain what is proposed and look at the successes of similar schemes elsewhere in the country.

"We will be inviting organisations, community groups and schools to the events – and we would like to hear everyone’s views, for or against.

"All information gathered will be used to develop the next phase of the funding process."

It is estimated that there are only four pairs of golden eagles across the entire South of Scotland.

Experts believe that the area has enough habitat to support up to 16 breeding pairs.

The events are being coordinated by the Southern Uplands Partnership which specialises in developing and implementing community and environmental projects across the south of Scotland.

Project manager at the Partnership Pip Tabor added: "There will be a number of speakers and presentations at the evening events, whilst the drop-ins are for those who are unable to attend the main meetings.

"We plan to have a range of information to hand out.

"We really would encourage anyone with an interest to come along."

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project has already launched an online survey to gather views.

The public meetings will take place at the Burgh Hall in Peebles on Monday, September 26 and at the Victoria Hall in Selkirk the following day.

Drop in sessions will run from 3pm to 6pm with the main meetings taking place between 7pm and 9pm.

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project is being supported by Buccleuch, Scottish Land & Estates, RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, The Langholm Initiative and the Heritage Lottery Fund.