Red kite poisoning investigated

The red kite is part of a tourism initiative in the area

A police inquiry has been launched after a red kite was found dead in Dumfries and Galloway.

The bird was discovered on farmland near to Laurieston last month with tests subsequently confirming it had probably been poisoned.

A police spokesman said the force was "disappointed" with the discovery, which is the first of its kind in the area for some time.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Castle Douglas police.

The birds of prey have become the focus of environmental tourism in the area with the Galloway Kite Trail proving popular with visitors.

It was recently estimated to be worth about £800,000 in tourist income to the region.

It is not the first time the area has been hit by poison attacks on red kites - there was a spate in the Glenkens area a few years ago.