NatureScot has also stated that the number of Golden Eagles raising young declined from 48% in 2021 to 28% in 2022.
The largest declines recorded for both eagle species were in Lewis and Harris in the Western Isles, where the breeding success of Golden Eagles fell from 55% to 16%, and for White-tailed Eagles from 66% to 24%.
John Allan, NatureScot ornithology advisor, said: “Scotland still has strong eagle populations but these findings are very concerning. So far we have had fewer positive test results among birds of prey this year than last year, but it is early in the season and we can’t be complacent.
“We intend to repeat this analysis in 2023 to see if breeding success begins to improve.”