Dame Judi Dench has joined the celebration of a major golden eagle recovery in southern Scotland after the population climbed above 50 individual birds. The actress named one of five fledglings produced this summer as GoldenEye, while fellow actor Sam Heughan named another as Sassy. The young birds are part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, run by the charity Restoring Upland Nature. Four of the five fledglings are directly descended from eagles moved to the region through the project, offering a sign that the population is beginning to reproduce successfully on its own.
How 50 Golden eagles returned to southern Scotland
The rise in numbers follows several years of conservation work aimed at strengthening a population that had become small and vulnerable. According to Restoring Upland Nature, golden eagles once had a long history across southern Scotland, where they played an important role as top predators. Changes in land use and persecution, however, reduced their numbers to just a handful of pairs.The charity explains that golden eagle numbers increased across much of Scotland, but that growth did not reach the areas south of the Central Belt. Birds from stronger populations in northern Scotland were also reluctant to move south, leaving isolated populations in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway at the risk of disappearing.The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project began moving young birds into the region in 2018. Restoring Upland Nature reports that further translocations took place between 2019 and 2023, helping build a stronger population.
Scotland Golden Eagle. Image Credit: Restoring Upland Nature/Website
The conservation project created conditions for breeding
Before birds were moved, the project team carried out a detailed assessment of the available habitat and other conditions needed to support the species. Restoring Upland Nature says the scientific assessment suggested southern Scotland could potentially support up to 16 breeding pairs.The charity now reports that 18 territories are occupied, although the number can change over time. Birds moved into the area were satellite-tagged before release so that their movements could be followed.The first young eagles arrived at specially built aviaries in the Southern Uplands in early summer 2018. They remained there for about two months before being released into the Moffat Hills. The organisation says the birds were collected from the Highlands and Islands with specialist veterinary support and were carefully health-checked before release.The work has depended on cooperation between landowners, conservation groups and public bodies. Restoring Upland Nature lists the Southern Upland Partnership, Scottish Land and Estates, RSPB Scotland, NatureScot and Scottish Forestry among its partners.
What do the 5 new fledglings show about the population
The latest breeding season has provided an important indication of how the restored population is developing. The Independent reported that 5 golden eagle chicks fledged in southern Scotland during the summer of 2026, with 4 directly descended from birds that had been translocated through the project.That distinction matters because it shows that moved birds have not simply survived after being released. They have gone on to become part of the breeding population and produce young.Restoring Upland Nature says the project has now increased the number of golden eagles in southern Scotland to around 50, the highest number recorded in the area for 300 years.Dr Cat Barlow, chief executive of Restoring Upland Nature, described the fledging of four young birds from nests involving translocated eagles as a significant milestone. She said the results showed that, where healthy ecosystems are available and interference is low, moved eagles can integrate into the local population and breed successfully.
GoldenEye carries a link to Judi Dench’s Bond role
Two of the young birds were given names by well-known supporters of the conservation project. Dame Judi Dench chose GoldenEye, linking the name to her role as the first female M in the James Bond series.The Independent reported that the fledgling she named is the grandchild of a male eagle described by project chiefs as the oldest living golden eagle in Europe. For Dench, the name also created a connection between her famous film role and a real golden eagle now flying over southern Scotland.Sam Heughan, known for Outlander and co-owner of the Galloway Distillery, named another fledgling Sassy. The name refers to his Sassenach Whisky.The Independent reported that Heughan welcomed the chance to name a bird representing the future of golden eagles in the region. He also expressed hope that the young eagle could explore the landscape around his hometown and perhaps even fly over the Galloway Distillery.
Importance of this recovery beyond the latest chicks
The recovery is significant because the golden eagle population in southern Scotland had once been fragile and fragmented. Restoring Upland Nature says many people living in and visiting the region were unaware that golden eagles still nested there before the project began.The charity worked with communities from Stranraer to St Abbs, organising talks, walks and activities. It also developed an Eagle Schools programme for primary pupils, allowing children to learn about the life cycle of golden eagles.The project is also looking beyond southern Scotland. Restoring Upland Nature says it has begun work with Forestry England, the UK Government and other organisations on the possibility of restoring golden eagles in northern England.