THE wildlife expert who took the first red kites back to Scotland as part of a re­introduction programme has described the deaths of 16 birds of prey as the single worst act of persecution of the species he has ever seen.

Twelve protected red kites were found dead along with four buzzards within two square miles south-east of Conon Bridge near Dingwall. A significant number are understood to have been poisoned, and further tests are under way.

Ornithologist Roy Dennis, an expert on ospreys and other birds of prey, was RSPB Scotland's officer for the north when the red kite reintroduction programme began in 1989, and went to Sweden to bring the first birds back in an RAF Nimrod.

He said "It is a disgrace. The Swedish people gave them to Scotland. It is shocking this sort of thing happens. I have worked in wildlife for 50 years, but I have never known this level of persecution when so many birds are found dead in a one go."

A reward of £10,000 has been put up for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management for RSPB Scotland, said: "Our staff have been inundated with calls from concerned members of the public voicing their personal anger and frustration about this appalling incident and calling for firm action by the authorities against the perpetrators."

Meanwhile, police said yesterday a peregrine falcon which was discovered in Abington, South Lanarkshire, in February had been poisoned. An investigation has been launched after tests confirmed the cause of death.