Wildlife accolade move for Islay

Islay has become a haven for a rare type of crow. Pic from Undiscovered Scotland.

Islay may be set to receive one of Europe's top wildlife accolades after becoming a haven for rare birds.

The Oa peninsula, on Islay, could soon be recognised as one of the top places in Europe for chough, a type of crow.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will consult local farmers and land managers about plans to designate the Oa as a Special Protection Area (SPA).

This designation is one of Europe's top wildlife accolades, recognising the importance of the chough population.

Under the plans, the birds would also be protected under European law. The site also qualifies as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the nationally important numbers of chough.

Chough favour these areas because the low intensity, traditional way of farming means that there is plenty of food for them Angus Laing SNH area manager

Angus Laing, SNH area manager, said: "Chough, with their distinctive red legs and red beaks, are only found in a few areas of Scotland, with Islay as the stronghold.

"On the Oa they breed in caves along the cliffs and feed on the coastal and arable grasslands.

"Visitors to the area often see families of chough searching for insects found in the shallow soil and in cow dung. They favour these areas because the low intensity, traditional way of farming means that there is plenty of food for them."

Chough are also found in other parts of Islay and Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin has approved the addition of the bird to the list of species protected by the existing Gruinart Flats SPA.