WATCH: Glider pilot's close encounter with golden eagle
A glider pilot has had a close encounter with a golden eagle high in the sky to the west of Aviemore.
Stewart Hills, a member of Cairngorm Gliding Club has spoken of the moment he suddenly realised he was not alone.
He said: “I was gliding along the back ridge near Sgòr Gaoith, which is one of the Munros that overlooks Glen Einich,when a beautiful golden eagle passed to my left in the opposite direction. On my next pass, we came almost head on!
“The poor eagle got a shock and went from enjoying the scenery as much as I was, to wanting to tear my canopy off.
“I managed to snap this photo from that exact moment. I have a video of the whole of the action unfolding as well.”
On the footage a noise can be heard, getting higher in pitch in bursts. Stewart explained. “That’s the sound of my variometer, letting me know I’m getting higher and higher. It’s a good sound.”
