Gary MacFarlane, 62, was also ordered to forfeit £5,220 in cash seized from his home address after he pled guilty at Livingston Sheriff Court to a number of offences under wildlife legislation concerning birds of prey.

MacFarlane admitted failing to complete the necessary documentation needed to sell the birds under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations 2018.

He admitted one charge of offering a peregrine for sale and two of selling falcons without an ‘Article 10’ certificate as required by law. He also pled guilty to seven counts of making false declarations over the parentage of birds he bred at his home.

Iain Batho, who leads on Wildlife and Environmental Crime for the Crown Office, said: “It is highly important to preserve Scotland’s natural heritage, including the wildlife that forms part of it.

“Birds of prey are given strict protection by our law and this includes ensuring adherence to the strict rules that are in place for the lawful trade and registration of such animals.

“These rules are in place to ensure that the trade of birds of prey is carried out lawfully and to ensure the ongoing health and welfare of the bird of prey population in Scotland, both in the wild and in captivity.”