The Scottish Wildlife Trust said the first Peregrine Falcon (known as peregrine) egg was spotted on Saturday, March 30, with a potential second yet to be confirmed.

Peregrines tend to lay eggs over the course of a week, so more could still be laid.

The charity’s Falls of Clyde Reserve is home to what might be Scotland’s oldest breeding male peregrine – known as a tiercel (pictured) – and is widely regarded as one of the best places in the UK to see the species.

Peregrines incubate their eggs for between 29 to 33 days, so chicks could hatch at the beginning of May.

In order to ensure the safety of the birds, the Scottish Wildlife Trust runs a 24-hour Peregrine Protection Programme on the site, which includes a dedicated ranger – funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Jonathan Hughes, said: “Recent news of the alarming number of birds of prey being persecuted in the north of Scotland is a stark reminder of the importance of the Scottish Wildlife Trust raptor protection programmes at the Falls of Clyde and Loch of the Lowes.

“The dedication and expertise of our rangers and volunteers ensures that these birds get the very best chance of survival.

“The Falls of Clyde is an idyllic location where visitors are almost guaranteed to see peregrines on the nest, so I would urge anyone that hasn’t yet visited to take advantage of this by seeing these spectacular birds up close and personal.”