The fatal shooting of one of Scotland's rarest birds has been described as an "appalling and inexcusable crime" as an appeal for information was launched.
The body of a black-throated diver was found on the shores of Loch Gowan near Achnasheen in Wester-Ross in mid-April and was reported to RSPB Scotland.
A post-mortem examination of the animal by vets at the Scottish Agricultural College concluded that the bird had died as a result of being shot.
The incident was referred to police - who have been unable to identify a suspect - and RSPB Scotland is appealing for anyone who may have information about this incident to come forward.
A spokesman for RSPB Scotland said: "This is an appalling and inexcusable crime. Black-throated divers are stunning and very rare birds, with their UK stronghold in the Highlands of Scotland.
"It is truly shocking that one of these birds has been deliberately targeted, with a complete disregard for both the law and the rarity of this species."
There are only about 240 pairs of black-throated divers in the UK, found in the north and west of Scotland. It is a black and white bird that breeds on freshwater lochs and spends winter at sea.
"They are known for their elegant summer plumage, haunting calls and their tendency to mate for life. This bird killed is believed to have been one from a breeding pair," the RSPB spokesman said.
Jim Raffell, who found the bird and is a fisheries biologist with the Scottish Government, said: "To find a dead black-throated diver is very sad, but to then be informed that that it had been shot caused me much upset and made me very angry.
"How any person could deliberately shoot such a beautiful, enigmatic and uncontroversial bird is outrageous."
Anyone with information on the incident has been asked to contact the police on 101 or RSPB Scotland on 0131 317 4100.
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