Park gives rare pony top billing

Moira was more than 20-years-old when she gave birth to Arran

A rare Scottish pony is set to become the star attraction at a country park in North Lanarkshire.

The colt, named Arran, is the first pure-bred Eriskay pony to be born at Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld, for more than 20 years.

The Eriskay is the last survivor of the original native Scottish breeds.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust regards the pony's status as "critical", which means there are possibly fewer than 300 left in the world.

The ponies are generally grey in colour but new born, like Arran, are often brown.

Paul Rigby, senior stockman at Palacerigg, said: "The arrival of Arran has generated a great deal of excitement amongst staff.

"Arran is a very welcome addition to the park and will be a star attraction for our visitors.

"Arran's mother Moira is a 100% pure Eriskay and being over 20-years-old herself makes the birth of her colt all the more remarkable."