Sutherland squirrel relocation project a success
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A project to establish a squirrel population in an area of Sutherland has been a success.
Some 36 red squirrels were relocated in 2013 from the Moray area to four land holdings at Amat, Glencalvie, Croick and Alladale Wilderness Reserve.
The move was made with the help of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation.
Alladale Wilderness managers say the population is now "thriving, reproducing and spreading as far afield as Ardgay".
A spokesman said: "Even now the animals can be seen daily running around Alladale Lodge and have been spotted as far as Alladale's two cottages, Ghillie's Rest and Eagle's Crag."
The reserve hopes that over time, its newly planted forests will be a suitable habitat for the squirrels.
To see a video of the squirrels, visit YouTube and search for Alladale Wilderness Reserve.
More recently the Woodland Trust relocated 20 squirrels from woods across South Highland and Moray and to Ledmore and Migdale Woods, near Spinningdale.
Volunteers were recruited to help the squirrels to "settle in" to their new environment.
