PICTURES: Whale rescuer using biscuits to nurse red squirrel back to health
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A leading conservationist normally used to saving whales and dolphins is nursing a badly-injured baby red squirrel back to health.
And he is using biscuits as part of the animal's recovery plan!
It is believed the squirrel is a descendant of those reintroduced by Lady Jane Rice – wife of lyricist Tim Rice – and naturalist Roy Dennis to Dundonnell in 2009.
Noel Hawkins, a British Divers Marine Life Rescue volunteer, and his partner Janice took the squirrel into their care about two weeks ago.
The animal was found near-dead on a roadside by a school pupil close to where Mr Hawkins lives in Ullapool.
The couple have been helping its recovery by feeding it fruit smoothies and giving its injured paw massages.
It is thought the squirrel had been hurt after falling from a tree or had been hit by a car.
A local vet, a physiotherapist and a squirrel conservationist in Perth have been helping with advice and treatment.
Nicknamed Ted, the animal's sleeping arrangements include dozing curled up in a fleece hat inside a crate that usually holds ferrets.
Mr Hawkins, whose marine rescue work has included helping to save a 40ft (12m) humpback whale entangled in fishing gear, said: "Because of my work with animals, the people who found the squirrel thought I might be able to help it.
"He looked like he was dead. We took him home and got him warm.
"He is is feeding well but it is still early days.
"We've been feeding him Farley's Rusks and puppy milk which has a high fat content to get his weight up.
"We've cut back on the Digestives because they have a high sugar content, though Ted likes them!"
Mr Hawkins, communities manager with Scottish Wildlife Trust – Living Seas, said it was important to help conserve the reintroduced red squirrel population.
It is hoped that Ted will fully recover and he can be returned to the wild. If not, he could receive long-term care in captivity.
Mr Hawkins said: "Most people might think red squirrels have always been here, but they are only here thanks to a conservation effort.
"That's why its so important we try to save Ted.
"I am hoping he can be nursed back to good health and it will be quite a recovery. If so he will be one lucky squirrel.
"I am more used to dealing with larger animals like whales and dolphins – and after some difficult rescues I've often said I am going to next run a guinea pig farm. It looks like I'm starting with a tiny red squirrel!"
