A golden eagle. Photo: Maurice Koop

Police are seeking the help of walkers after a golden eagle was found poisoned on a Scottish estate.

A number of addresses have been searched after the discovery of the bird’s body on the Millden estate, near Brechin, Angus. Tayside Police, acting with partners in wildlife-crime investigation, carried out the raids under warrant on the estate.

The eagle was found dead on the Millden estate earlier this month. Tests on the bird’s carcass confirmed it had been illegally poisoned.

Superintendent Ewen West of Tayside Police said: “The golden eagle was part of a project being undertaken by Scottish National Heritage. The bird was being continuously tracked and when her movements came to an abrupt stop at the beginning of July suspicions were raised that she had died. Sadly, she had been illegally poisoned.’’

The tracking project began two years ago in the Cairngorms.

‘‘Enquiries are ongoing into who might be responsible for this incident. The estate is a popular place for walkers and I’m keen to hear from anyone who may have information which might assist us.”

Anyone who has any information can contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The Millden estate lies about 18km (11 miles) north of Brechin in Glen Esk. It is marketed for its salmon and trout fishing and grouse and pheasant shooting.

Last month Strathclyde Police carried out searches in Glen Orchy and Bridge of Orchy after the discovery of a dead golden eagle on Beinn Udlaidh which had been poisoned.