A man has been charged in connection with an alleged disturbance at a site used by capercaillie during their breeding season in the Highlands.

The incident happened in the Strathspey area on Saturday April 23 at a 'lek' used by the birds. 

A lek is an area where male birds compete for mates. It forms an important part of the capercaillie breeding season.

The Herald:

Capercallie 

Police said that a 63-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the disturbance.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Constable Gary Dunlop of Aviemore Police Station said: “Capercaillie are extremely sensitive to disturbance which can seriously hamper their breeding success.

“All reports and information received regarding possible disturbance at lekking sites, will be taken very seriously.”

The capercaillie became extinct in the UK in the late 18th century but was reintroduced successfully to Scotland in the middle of the 19th century.