Isle of Skye

Kate and Ken Crane from Glen Brittle have been studying Golden Eagles on Skye for 40 years.  They first published “Island Eagles” in 1999 which was widely acclaimed as an intimate and detailed account of personal experiences in the field with Golden Eagles throughout Skye.  This new publication, “In Eagle Country” reflects some long studies and short stories based on their meticulous observations of breeding Golden Eagles many of which, somewhat uniquely, they were able to identify individually in the field. The publication reflects their forty years of study, but chapters focus on the last 20 years in which there has been the establishment of windfarms on the island, the expansion of the breeding White-tailed Eagle population, and the explosion of visitors to the island which sees encroachment on some long-established territories.  Not all good news for Golden Eagles, and in the last 20 years there has been a steady reduction in breeding productivity in the area. Whatever the long-term effect of this, it is not good news for Golden Eagles in Skye and the western seaboard.  Scientists and Societies sometimes bury their heads in the sand, but it is important to listen to enthusiasts whose lives have been dedicated to Scotland’s most iconic species.  Lots of individuals like to talk about Golden Eagles, but it is an elusive species, and very few people have spent countless hours with the birds.   “In Eagle Country” is a celebration of dedicated fieldwork and for those long days on the hill.  It is illustrated by Kate and supported by photographs taken locally.  It has been published by Strath Print in Broadford and is available at £15 a copy + postage direct from the authors at kcraneknellist@outlook.com.