PLANS have been lodged to create a secondary falcon breeding farm in the Borders to supply birds to the Qatar royal family.

Sheik Fahad al-Thani wants to develop a former equestrian farm near Bonchester Bridge into a falcon breeding centre and hack pen.

The Windrsuh farmhouse, which was bought in October for £280,000, is just a mile from another falcon breeding farm at Weensmuir.

Sheikh Ali Abdullah bin Jassim al-Thani was given permission in February, 2013 to double the size of the farmhouse and erect hack pens for up to 40 falcons.

He anticipated members of the Qatar royal family would visit four times a year to select birds of prey for purchase.

This latest proposal would see the 20-acre Windrush farm turned into a specialist breeding centre for the highly-prized birds.

A spokesman for Sheik Fahad al-Thani stated: “The proposed development consists of two small scaled buildings and a hack pen, all for the purpose of breeding falcons from eggs to chicks then adult birds for export only to the family home/business in Qatar.

“It will generate employment both full time and part time along with the economic benefit in fuel, materials, feed and all general items.” The art of falconry, known also as the sport of kings, is part of the traditional way of life of the Bedouin in the Gulf region.

First used for hunting, a fully-trained, swift and sharp-eyed falcon would bring back prey and be rewarded.

Over the centuries, the reasons for hunting has evolved from necessity to sport and then to status symbol.

Concerns were raised about the initial plans at nearby Weensmuir with fears expressed about hawks escaping and attacking wildlife and nearby chickens on a poultry farm.

But the plans were voted through by members of the planning committee.

The current full application for the neighbouring farm will be considered by planners over the coming weeks.