Can an eagle really kill a horse?

In August 2025, a farmer from the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, claimed that sea eagles had taken five of his Shetland pony foals.

Whether this happened—or could happen at all—remains unproven, but the incident ignited a media storm and brought a key question back into focus: How do we balance nature recovery with the needs of rural livelihoods?

In Episode #3 of At the Edge, Peter Cairns explores the complex factors shaping perceptions around the resurgence of these charismatic birds.

Additional info

At the Edge is an independent media platform that takes a deep dive into our relationship with wild nature, exploring pathways that allow us to live well with wildlife.

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This episode was produced in partnership with Adventurous Audio, and kindly supported by Ballintean Mountain Lodge.

Useful links

Watch the RSPB film "The Return", a celebration of white-tailed eagles (or 'sea eagles'.)

Learn about the Sea Eagle Management Scheme in Scotland.

Learn about the reintroduction of sea eagles to southern England.

Learn more abut the work of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation.

Learn about Tom Fry's research on attitudes towards sea eagles.

Thanks in this episode go to Alice Bacon, Lewis Pate and Ewan Miles of Nature Scotland. Thanks too to the many people who have offered their views on this subject.