Study reveals economic benefits from white-tailed eagles have risen sharply in Scotland.<\/p>\n
The economic benefits delivered by Mull\u2019s white-tailed eagles have more than tripled in just five years, according to an independent study commissioned by the RSPB.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0white-tailed eagles, are part of an on-going re-introduction programme in Scotland<\/p>\n
[pullquote]Wildlife Tourism in particular has grown in recent years and continues to do so with \u00a3276 million being spent on these trips. It is estimated that they now bring at least \u00a35 million into the Mull economy every year, up from \u00a31.4 million in 2005.<\/p>\n The figures come as the result of a survey carried out last summer by the Progressive Partnership<\/a>, Edinburgh.\u00a0Over 1,200 people were asked their reasons for travelling to Mull. Almost a quarter stated that the eagles were an important factor in their trip.<\/p>\n Tourism generated by the white-tailed eagles\u00a0also supports 110 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs (up from 36), and \u00a32.4 million of local income.<\/p>\n Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Enterprise and Tourism, said: \u201cWildlife Tourism in particular has grown in recent years and continues to do so with \u00a3276 million being spent on these trips, 75% spent by domestic tourists, and supporting 2,763 full time jobs in the sector.”<\/p>\n According to VisitScotland, white-tailed eagles account for an estimated 50% of all enquiries at their information centre in Craignure during the summer months on Mull.<\/p>\n Mull Eagle Watch is run by a partnership of Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Mull & Iona Community Trust<\/a>, Strathclyde Police and RSPB Scotland.<\/p>\n
\nFergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Enterprise and Tourism<\/strong>[\/pullquote]<\/p>\n