Conservationists believe that those responsible for the latest case of raptor persecution in the Highlands, could be associated with sporting interests.

Police in Inverness are appealing for information from anyone who can help trace those responsible for illegally disturbing the nests of protected birds of prey nests; and the unexplained disappearance of adult birds from their nests in Moy Forest near Tomatin.

They say the nests in the Forestry Commission woodland south of the Highland capital appear to have been the subject of illegal activity, over a number of weeks.

During May four buzzard nests have all been abandoned and one of these has evidence of disturbance. The incidents were reported to the police at the end of last month.

A further nest site containing breeding goshawks has also failed with adult birds appearing to have abandoned it for no apparent reason.

Ian Thomson, head of investigations at RSPB Scotland said: “It is appalling this has happened. There are only about 150 pairs of goshawks in Scotland. It is a rare bird so this is pretty depressing.

“You don’t come across birds of prey nests at random. They are very shy and wary of humans. The fact that a number of nests in one area were attacked, strengthens the argument that somebody went looking for them. You have to ask who would have had a motive to do harm to birds of prey. It is perhaps telling that this forest lies in the heart of game bird shooting country.

“There has been a depressing number of cases of raptor persecution in this area, including the shooting of a red kite last year, as well as the illegal use of traps and poisons. I urge anyone who can shed light on these crimes to contact the police or ourselves.”

Scottish Land and Estates, the landowners’ organisation, did not want to respond but has in the past made clear “Our condemnation of wildlife crime is unequivocal”.

However the local Tomatin Moorland Group which works to “highlight the importance of gamekeeping for employment, conservation and land management in the Tomatin area” posted an appeal on social media urging anyone with information to contact the police.

Meanwhile police detained a 73 year old man who was acting suspiciously near to birds’ nests on the Orkney island of Shapinsay last Saturday.

A number of items of interest were recovered and which resulted in further enquiries being carried out. A report was submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service for consideration.

Inspector Alicen Winston said :

"Wildlife crime and the detection and disruption of offenders is a priority for Police Scotland. I would like to thank the members of the public on Shapinsay who were vigilant and took action which allowed us to investigate the matters reported and deter further offences being committed.”