Illegally set spring traps have been discovered in the heart of Cairngorms National Park after two hillwalkers spotted a distressed gull.

They have been praised for alerting RSPB Scotland to the presence of the bird caught in a trap on the northern slopes of Geallaig Hill.

As the walkers approached the gull they saw that it had been caught by the legs in two traps, later identified as illegal.

The traps were hidden beside a dead rabbit that had been used as bait and the severely injured gull was said to be "bleeding profusely".

Clear evidence was found of eight similar traps being deployed, attached to stakes and baited with dead rabbits in a line stretching 200 metres across the moor.

Experts have warned such devices pose a serious threat to some of Scotland's protected species, including golden eagles an hen harriers.

RSPB Scotland said "it was also evident that these traps had been removed very recently".

Nearby, three dead common gull chicks, close to fledging age, were found.

A Scottish SPCA inspector quickly attended the scene of the trapped gull and, having carefully released it, found the bird had two broken legs.

These injuries were so extensive the bird had to be euthanised.

A Scottish SPCA spokesman said: "It was only by sheer luck that these traps, well away from normal public access, were found by the witnesses, and it is to their credit that this was reported quickly to allow the gull's suffering to be brought to an end."

A follow-up search of the area a few days later, carried out by wildlife crime officers from Police Scotland, assisted by investigations staff from the Scottish SPCA and RSPB Scotland, found no further victims of these traps.

Ian Thomson, RSPB Scotland's head of investigations said: "It is likely that these common gull chicks were dependent on the adult found in the trap, and that they had subsequently starved to death."

Police Scotland officers later spoke to a number of people involved in the management of the land on which the traps were found but they have not found the person who set the traps.

Mr Thomson added: "The deployment of these illegal traps has resulted in the killing of protected birds, with other specially protected species such as golden eagles, red kites or hen harriers also potentially at serious risk from this indiscriminate activity.

"The fact that this occurred within the Cairngorms National Park, an area that should be a showcase for the best of Scotland's wildlife, makes this all the more appalling."

"It is disappointing that the perpetrator of these offences has not been identified, as is often the case with wildlife crimes.

"We hope that this appeal to the public will yield more information to bring those responsible for this appalling crime to justice."

"If anyone has any information that may assist in establishing the perpetrators of these crimes, RSPB Scotland is encouraging them to contact Police Scotland by dialling 101 or the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999."