The eagle has landed - bringing with it the prospect of a major tourism boost for one of Scotland's remotest areas.

In an unprecedented venture, nature enthusiasts will be able to experience a close encounter of the bird kind on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.

The venture will enable visitors to get close up with golden eagles in their natural habitat when the new facility opens.

RSPB Scotland in partnership with Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre will host the new attraction, featuring CCTV cameras trained on a deer carcase, allowing observation of golden eagles as they come in to feed. There will also be new displays about eagles, in addition to the wildlife viewing opportunities that already exist at the centre, near Kilchoan.

Dave Sexton, the society's Mull and Ardnamurchan officer, said yesterday: "Golden eagles are, without doubt, one of the most awe-inspiritn species in the UK. If you are lucky enough to glimpse a view of them in their natural habitat, the sight will not fail to astound."

He added: "The sea eagle reintroduction to Mull has been a huge success and many people come to this part of the world now with wildlife watching in mind. The economic benefits for Mull have been fantastic and, hopefully, this will be repeated here in Ardnamurchan."

Centre manager Ritchie Dinnes said: "Lots of people ask about where they can see golden eagles, and now we'll be able to give them a chance to see them as well as talk about the species and nature conservation."

From The Aberdeen Press and Journal, March 31 2007