POLICE have launched an investigation after a white-tailed eagle's nest was allegedly destroyed in an apparent attempt to prevent the protected birds of prey from breeding.

RSPB Scotland confirmed its officers had contacted the police after discovering a tree containing the nest had been felled in the Invermark Estate in Glen Esk, Angus, a 50,000-acre conservation area popular with wildlife and country sports enthusiasts.

The pair of white-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, had been under observation by RSPB Scotland for several months after being released into the east of Scotland in collaboration with local land-owners. Officers were delighted when they constructed a nest – the first built in Scotland for more than a century – but have been left dismayed after discovering in January the tree had been felled.

Duncan Orr Ewing, of RSPB Scotland, said: "Here is a species that is being brought back as part of international conservation efforts, and we appear to have one individual or a couple of individuals who are undermining that conservation effort."

Invermark Estate, which offers fishing, deer stalking and game shooting, has rejected any suggestion its employees were involved in destroying the nest.

In a statement it said it took its "wildlife management responsibilities very seriously". It added: "We have had an excellent relationship with all relevant wildlife organisations, especially RSPB with whom we often work in partnership.

"The estate has also been an enthusiastic supporter of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime. We have many species on the estate including golden eagles, ospreys – as well as the sea eagles in question which are thriving on the estate. We have long been happy with the presence of all these species.

"Any suggestion the estate or its employees would jeopardise or disrupt species that have made this estate their home, is disputed in the strongest possible terms."

Scottish Land and Estates, which represents land owners and rural businesses, also issued a statement criticising the leaking of details about the ongoing police investigation and defended Invermark Estate's "exemplary record" in wildlife conservation and protection.