Scotland's breeding population of sea eagles has risen dramatically to its highest number since the reintroduction programme began more than 30 years ago.

Figures from the 2007 survey show there are now 42 territorial breeding pairs of the UK's biggest raptor, an increase of six pairs since last year.

It has also been the most successful year in terms of chicks produced, with 24 successful broods fledging a total of 34 young birds.

When added to the young birds yet to find a mate and establish a territory, there are probably now around 200 sea eagles resident in Scotland giving tourists and wildlife watching enthusiasts their best-ever chance of witnessing these spectacular birds, often referred to as "flying barn doors" due to their sheer size.

The monitoring of white tailed eagles, as they are also known, is conducted by the Sea Eagle Project Team, which includes RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland.

Skye, Mull and the Western Isles remain the core population area since the species was brought back from extinction by reintroduction programmes, first on Rum from 1975 to 1983 and then on Wester Ross from 1993 to 1998.

But they are now beginning to expand this range and this year breeding pairs have established territories as far south as the Argyll islands and west on to the mainland in the Highland district of Lochaber.

Now the final phase of the programme to establish a population right across Scotland is introducing chicks taken from nests in Norway to the east coast.

Fifteen chicks were released in Fife at the beginning of August and up to 20 young birds from Norway will be released each year for the next four years.

The RSPB said it is hoped that this population will eventually mix with the west coast birds and set up territories right round the suitable coastal habitats of Scotland.

Jeremy Wilson, head of research at RSPB Scotland and the chairman of the Sea Eagle Project Team, said: "It has been a fantastic year for these stunning birds, which are now firmly established as a totem of the incredible natural heritage Scotland plays host to.

"Eventually, as they continue to spread out, and west and east coast populations meet, we can expect to see these majestic birds all around Scotland's coast."