A total of 20 white-tailed sea eagle chicks have arrived in Scotland as part of a reintroduction programme.Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham welcomed the third batch of chicks in the five-year East Scotland Sea Eagles (ESSE) reintroduction project.
The chicks were then taken to ten purpose-built aviaries at a secret location on Forestry Commission Scotland land in Fife.
They will stay here for up to two months until they have developed all their flight feathers and are strong enough to fledge.
ESSE is a partnership between the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Forestry Commission Scotland to reintroduce the birds to the east of Scotland.
The birds disappeared from the UK in Victorian times as a result of attacks by humans.
Ms Cunningham said in a statement: "Previously wiped out in Scotland it is apt these chicks are arriving in this year of Homecoming and I am confident their presence, and that of the sea eagles released before them, will help encourage visitors to our shores.
"Ultimately however, the project's goal is to replace what was once lost and with 2010 as International Year of Biodiversity there is no better time to take action to boost the variety of life in Scotland.
"It is particularly gratifying that an animal driven to extinction by human persecution now has us going to great lengths to rectify the mistake. I'd like to congratulate RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage on their efforts and I look forward to seeing these magnificent birds thriving in their new home"
Claire Smith, RSPB Scotland sea eagle project officer, said: "With two previous batches of chicks now well established in the east of Scotland, this project is helping to ensure that these spectacular birds become an increasingly common sight all over the country.
"Over time, they will begin to link up with the established population in the west, helping boost the number of breeding pairs in the wild. We are already seeing the two populations of birds mixing with increasing visits from young west coast birds to the east over the past few months."
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