Live lizard found in bag of salad

Rocky survived his journey by slowing down his metabolism

A live lizard was found in a bag of salad delivered to the National Trust for Scotland's cafe at its Edinburgh headquarters.

Restaurant manager David Neil discovered the lizard - named Rocky by staff - when he opened a bag of rocket that had been imported from Israel.

Conservationists employed by the charity identified it as an eight-inch long Lebanon lizard.

Rocky has taken up temporary residence in a converted CD holder.

The makeshift enclosure has been placed on top of a computer monitor to keep him warm.

Rocky appeared to be in good shape when he arrived at 28 Charlotte Square in Edinburgh's New Town.

The National Trust for Scotland's nature conservation adviser, Lindsay Mackinlay, said it was "absolutely fantastic" that Rocky had survived his epic journey.

"He has obviously been in transit for a number of days and would probably have been refrigerated throughout much of the journey," he said.

"We suspect he would have survived by slowing down his metabolism and going into a state of hibernation.

"Thankfully he's doing well and is very alert now that he has warmed up a bit."

The trust is now working to find Rocky a permanent home.