Plans to aid red squirrel numbers

Red squirrels have suffered from long-term decline

Scottish Natural Heritage has launched a £4m scheme to aid red squirrels in Scotland.

The red squirrel population has suffered decline due to the destruction of their homes, disease and competition from non-native grey squirrels.

SNH plans to improve woodland and control the spread of greys.

However, Edinburgh-based Advocates for Animals has voiced concern over the SNH programme and accused the body of proposing a cull of greys.

SNH's package includes identifying 20 "stronghold areas" for red squirrels where they can be effectively protected.

'Targeted control'

Ron Macdonald, head of advisory services at SNH, said helping the squirrels will be challenging.

He said: "While eradication is not an option, some targeted control of grey squirrels can be beneficial to reds, at least in the short to medium term."

Advocates' director Ross Minett said the organisation is opposed to the killing of greys.

He said: "We support all humane efforts to conserve existing red squirrel populations. The plan refers to 'managing' or 'controlling' grey squirrels but what it actually means is killing these animals."