As farmers gather their lambs off the hills for sale at the mart, many across the west coast and Hebrides will be rounding up fewer then they hoped.

While in spring the white-tailed sea eagles demonstrate their destruction on flocks, it is in the back end when farmers really see the impact on their business.

The loss of lambs destined for the store ring is up to £40/head, but the impact on the breeding ewe lambs is much greater.

The hefted nature of these sheep means that buying in gimmers from the mart isn’t often possible

The dwindling pool of breeding females to pick from gives fewer options to the farmer for developing their flock.

The hefted nature of these sheep means that buying in gimmers from the mart isn’t often possible.

Speaking to affected hill sheep farmers, it is clear that sea eagle predation takes its toll both financially and mentally, as sheep are taken all year round by the protected species.

No-one can argue against the tourism boost from having Europe’s largest eagle swooping across the mountains and seas.

This is in no small part thanks to hard-working farmers and crofters

However, proper compensation must be given to food producers in the hills if the re-introduced species is to continue to flourish.

Steps have been taken by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to recognise the birds’ impact on farms and the ecosystem.

This is in no small part thanks to hard-working farmers and crofters highlighting the birds’ impact.

Let’s hope this week’s meeting of the national sea eagle management scheme panel with crofters and SNH continues the good work.