BIRDWATCHERS in the Borders can expect a flurry of activity in the skies from next year as the arrival of more than 20 golden eagles begins.

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project has just been awarded £1.37 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

And they can now move ahead with plans to release between five and ten young golden eagles each year over the next four years in both the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

Mark Oddy, chair of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, told us: "Golden eagles are arguably Scotland’s most iconic species and this programme will ensure more of us can see these magnificent birds across the south of Scotland’s skies.

"This venture is not just about birds, but is also about people, and in the coming months we will continue to work closely with people living and working in the south of Scotland so everyone can get behind our endeavour."

There are currently only two to four pairs of golden eagles in the south of Scotland.

But a recent study has shown that there is suitable habitat for between ten and 16 breeding pairs.

Recent satellite tagging work of golden eagles in Scotland has shown that the south of Scotland golden eagle population is greatly isolated from larger populations in the Highlands.

The project has identified that the best way of enhancing this vulnerable population is through increasing the supply of young eagles, to eventually become part of the breeding population.

The initiative has enjoyed the support of Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham MSP.

She said: "Many congratulations to all involved in gaining such tremendous support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"This will ensure golden eagles have a secure footing in the south of Scotland, and will bring huge benefits to the local economy and communities through a variety of tourism and educational opportunities.

"I commend the efforts of this special partnership.”

Work will start on the project this autumn, subject to a licence application lodged with Scottish Natural Heritage being approved.

In summer 2018 the first of the young eagles will be released.

The project team will use tried and tested methods for rear and release of the young golden eagles derived from previous white-tailed eagle and red kite reintroduction projects.

The project team will collect single eagle chicks from broods of two in the Highlands and raise and release them in a hidden location in the Borders.

Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "We have some wonderful native wildlife in Scotland and collectively we have a responsibility for its survival.

"It is the prospect of glimpsing rare species, such as these glorious golden eagles, that attracts visitors to our shores bringing much-needed tourist income to our communities.

"Thanks to players of The National Lottery this project gives us all the opportunity to learn more about an important bird of prey and the role it plays in Scotland’s biodiversity. It will hopefully inspire people to help safeguard their existence for future generations.”

The project is a partnership of RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Buccleuch and the Langholm Initiative, who have been working together for more than ten years to bring this project to realisation.

Project manager, Cat Barlow, added: "Once we have the full funding package in place we can crack on in employing the team to take the work forward.

"Then the really exciting work begins as we see more golden eagles and the people of south Scotland rallying to promote this wonderful area for wildlife.

“One of our first jobs will be to appoint two local officers who can work in the community to build support in advance of the first eagles’ arrival.

“In the years ahead many hundreds of people will have the opportunity, through trails, events and CCTV, to learn more about the golden eagle and its role in Scotland’s biodiversity. I hope it will inspire and empower them to safeguard its existence for future generations.

"I’d also like to highlight the support of members of the Scottish Raptor Study Group who have agreed to supply their considerable expertise of golden eagle conservation to the project."

Work is planned to ensure former and potential nesting sites are re-occupied as well as identify any additional habitat management measures that will bring further improvements in food supplies in these areas.

Each released golden eagle will be satellite tagged to ensure the project team builds up as much information as they can on the ranging behaviour, survival, and health of the birds.

They are working with a variety of expert advisers, including specialists from the Edinburgh University Dick Vet School, and from Ireland and Spain who have been heavily involved in successful raptor reintroduction programmes.