High Flying Company Back Bid for National Bird

Eagle Couriers Press releases

One of Scotland’s leading independent courier companies is spreading its wings into charity work by donating to the RSPB’s latest campaign to see the golden eagle named as the country’s national bird.

The majestic bird was recently voted the nation’s favourite animal and the RSPB has submitted a petition urging ministers to formally designate the species as a national symbol, granting it the same stature as the lion rampant, saltire and Scottish thistle as emblems of the country.

Already the bird appears on place names, ancient burial sites and company logos across the country and now Eagle Couriers is making its support clear by donating to the RSPB this Christmas.

Jerry Stewart, a director of Eagle Couriers who has spent 25 years with the firm, said: “I’ve been lucky enough to see the golden eagle soaring above the Scottish hillsides, so I understand what a truly magnificent sight it is.

“It is a real shame that these birds are not more common and we at Eagle Couriers would like to support the RSPB’s campaign to help raise its profile.

“It represents a symbol of strength and pride which is the very reason why we included the eagle in our company name.  Everyone at Eagle Couriers will be signing the petition and we hope that our donation will help boost the campaign to allow for the future conservation of the golden eagle.”

Persecution and changing land-use over centuries has meant the golden eagle tends to be found in only the remotest parts of the country, including the mountain and glens of the west coast and western isles. There are now only 431 pairs of golden eagles left in the whole of Scotland.

Chris Fancy of RSPB Scotland welcomed the £200 donation and the petition support from Eagle Couriers and added:  “We’re extremely grateful to Eagle Couriers for this generous donation in light of our recent campaign to have the golden eagle designated as Scotland’s national bird.

“RSPB Scotland has submitted this petition, helping to raise the golden eagle’s profile, turn around its fortunes and see it return once again to its former range, thus increasing the chances of sightings for visitors and local people.

“We thank Eagle Couriers for its support and urge people across the country to show theirs by signing the petition and telling the Scottish Government that the country’s national bird should be the golden eagle.”

The closing date for the petition is Friday 6 December. To show your support or find out more visit http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/gettinginvolved/petitions/goldeneagle.

Eagle Couriers provide services to more than 3,500 clients, including BBC, the NHS and the Government Procurement Service.

With its headquarters in Bathgate, West Lothian and with bases in both Glasgow and Edinburgh, the company employs more than 100 drivers who ensure that client’s packages arrive on time and intact.  More information can be found at www.eaglecouriers.co.uk