Red kites have had their best breeding season in Scotland since they were reintroduced 16 years ago.

The bird of prey was extinct in Scotland for more than a century but was brought back 16 years ago.

RSPB Scotland said the number of breeding pairs and the young they hatched last year was probably the highest for 200 years.

There were 76 breeding pairs in 2005, with the Galloway area seeing the largest increase in numbers from 2004.

Last year, there were 12 pairs in Galloway which produced 18 chicks. In 2004 there had been just three pairs which fledged three chicks.

The kites were reintroduced to habitats in north, central and south west Scotland.

Last year a migratory black kite, which generally breeds in more southerly and eastern areas of Europe, was also spotted setting up home in Scotland.

It was seen pairing up and building a nest with one of the Scottish red kites, although they failed to lay eggs and produce any young.

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