The Trust can confirm the new female osprey at the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, near Dunkeld has laid her first egg of the season.

Wildlife enthusiasts from around the world have had an agonising wait for this osprey to lay an egg after days of being unsettled on the nest. Ospreys can lay up to four eggs, usually around 48 hours apart. This raises hope that there will be chicks on the nest this year.

The new osprey’s predecessor, affectionately known by many as ‘Lady’, did not produce any chicks in what may have been her final year at the Scottish Wildlife Trust Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust Perthshire Ranger, Charlotte Fleming, said: “At around 9.00pm last night, the new female osprey laid her first egg and this has caused plenty of excitement for the staff and volunteers at the Scottish Wildlife Trust Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Reserve.

“Now there is an egg on the nest, the Osprey Protection Programme will begin in earnest. Thanks to our supporters, including players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Trust operates a 24-hour watch on the nest site to ensure the safety of the birds and the egg.

“Hopefully, in the coming days there will be more eggs as ospreys can lay up to four in a season. The Scottish Wildlife Trust would encourage people to visit scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/ospreycam and see if they can spot the next egg when it is laid.”