A golden eagle has been found dead in the Glen Orchy area of Argyll in west Scotland.

The bird, believed to have been poisioned, was found by walkers who contacted the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The RSPB recovered the bird and contacted Strathclyde Police who have begun their investigation.

Bob Elliot, head of investigations with RSPB Scotland, said in a statement: "As ever, we're shocked and saddened that there are still people out there placing poisoned baits in the countryside, which often result in the deaths of some of our magnificent birds of prey. 

"This area doesn't have a recent track record of wildlife crime, which is even more worrying in a way.  It's likely that this bird was part of a breeding pair in Argyll, so the crime may have affected the chances of survival of young birds in the nest too.

"Scottish Natural Heritage's recently published golden eagle framework report showed that this iconic bird is being held back in parts of the country due to illegal persecution, which simply shouldn't happen in the 21st century."

Birds of prey continue to be persecuted even though it is illegal to kill them.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham, speaking on behalf of Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland, said: "I was disgusted to hear of another poisoning of a golden eagle. This is an unacceptable crime against a magnificent creature. There is nothing which can excuse this behaviour and the individual or individuals involved are beneath contempt

"Our wildlife is world-renowned and a crime against it is a crime against Scotland. The use, in this case, of highly toxic, carbamate poison is particularly worrying as it poses a serious danger to other wild animals, domestic pets and even people.

"We will continue to strive to eradicate this type of crime, working through PAW Scotland, and I would urge anyone with information about this, or any other wildlife crime, to contact the police."