Appeal for information after bird of prey shot in Aberdeenshire

Officers are appealing for information after a bird of prey was shot in Aberdeenshire.

On Saturday, 8 November, 2025, a member of the public found an injured goshawk in the Whiterashes area.

The bird was recovered with the help of the Wild Arc Wildlife Rescue Centre but died before arriving at a vet.

Following further enquiries, it was established that the bird had been shot.

Constable Ann Ashman, of the Wildlife Crime Unit, said: "Goshawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and it is illegal to kill any protected species.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and we are working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

"I would appeal to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation to contact us. Your information could be vital in establishing what has happened.

“If you were in the Whiterashes area that day and saw anything suspicious - or have any information about shooting activity in the area - please contact us.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1942 of 8 November.”