An MSP has held talks with the police over the deaths of raptors in the Highlands.
A total 22 birds of prey, including 16 red kites, were found dead in the area in 2014, but the investigation remains on-going.
Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, met representatives from the police, the Scottish Game Keepers Association, Scottish Land and Estates, RSPB Scotland, and the NFUS, to be updated poisoning cases around Conon Bridge, Ross-shire.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Thompson said: “The case remains live so I understand the police cannot say anything to prejudice the investigation, but the meeting was very useful indeed.
“The police believe that it is a case of illegal pest control with banned pesticide gone wrong as it is not felt the raptors were the target and are still appealing for information from the public.
“The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife (PAW) Crime in Scotland, which includes the police, land managers, conservationists and the Scottish Government will be setting up a Highland PAW group from the 14th of March, which will be very useful at coordinating wildlife crime matters.”
