Environment Minister ‘not yet convinced’ of need to have a national bird

The RSPB’s proposal to have the golden eagle named as Scotland’s National Bird has been thrown off course after Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse questioned the need to have a National Bird. The Scottish Raptor Study Group had previously written to the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee in full support of the proposal, stating that the designation could help promote the conservation and protection of this species. Further details can be found here.