A dead golden eagle had its body parts removed before it was dumped in a plastic bag, police said.

The bird was found on a forest track off the A81 near Loch Rusky, north-east of Port of Monteith in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

An investigation has been launched following the discovery, which was made at around 11am on Tuesday 30 July.

Separately, RSPB Scotland said a red kite was killed by a banned pesticide in Sutherland.

A police spokesman said: “Golden eagles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and anyone with information is asked to to contact Police Scotland.

“Enquiries have been underway and officers are now appealing for help to find out how he got there.”

The force is also involved in the investigation into the death of the red kite.

RSPB Scotland said the bird of prey, also a protected species, was found by a dog walker at Spinningdale, near Dornoch, in April.

It said the results of a post-mortem examination and toxicology analysis were consistent with carbofuran poisoning.

The pesticide has been banned for more than 20 years.