Four golden eagles have been illegally killed in Scotland. Photo: Maurice Koope CC-BY-ND-2.0

Scots want to see an end to the persecution of birds of prey.

The finding was one of the top five things the public wants in a survey that revealed a nation of nature lovers.

Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Government’s advisory body on the outdoors, commissioned three separate surveys polling more than 3,000 respondents throughout August and September.

Ninety per cent of the Scots polled said they enjoy seeing and hearing birds in their local parks and gardens. Almost as many see Scotland’s woodland creatures, such as red squirrels and capercaillie, as part of Scottish culture and agree that they help make our countryside special.

The wish-list of those surveyed also included seeing wild salmon in the nation’s rivers; clean waters round the coast; litter-free beaches and well-maintained urban parks.

Eighty-six per cent said an important part of the Scottish uplands is seeing and hearing wild birds and would like to see more; and 84 per cent want to see otters in all of Scotland’s rivers.

Scotland’s rivers and lochs are most highly valued, followed by coast and beaches.

Susan Davies, SNH’s director of policy and advice, said: “Scotland is fortunate to be blessed with a remarkable variety of wildlife and world-class landscapes.

“These survey results show that people clearly recognise this and place great importance on their continued protection so that the next generation of Scots are also able to use and enjoy them.

“The challenge is to ensure that the social and economic contribution of our natural heritage is widely understood and valued in decisions taken about Scotland’s land use and management.”

The full survey results can be seen on the Scottish Natural Heritage website.