Kate Sampson, head ranger at Brodick Castle said: ‘It is great to see the black grouse finally arrive on Arran – this follows eight years of planning and hard work by the Arran Black Grouse Group, National trust for Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage – as well as generous donations from local businesses and individuals from Arran.

‘We will now keep the females and a few of the males in specially designed pens intended to mimic the natural habitat and reduce stress levels so that the birds can breed in safety this year. The chicks will then be released into the wild, where we hope they will flourish once again.’

In November 2007, The Arran Black Grouse Group, consisting of ornithologists through to shooting enthusiasts, brought over three pairs from Aberdeen to West Glen Sherraig Farm, Glen Rosa, for breeding.

The black grouse was last recorded on Arran in the 1960s and it is unclear why numbers dwindled so quickly. Most point to the changes in farming practice, which destroyed many suitable habitats, while others will suggest predation was a main factor.

However The Arran Black Grouse Group is confident now is the time to reintroduce the bird as these habitats have grown back.

And while black grouse are still on game shooting lists, the shooting of these birds will not be an issue, according to the group.

Group member Rab Logan, who first mooted the idea of reintroducing black grouse 10 years ago, told the Banner in 2007 that they will be actively discouraging the shooting of these birds.

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