Deer alert on M74

Drivers across Lanarkshire are being advised to look out for deer wandering onto trunk roads and motorways, as the evenings draw in.

With the deer rutting season at its peak, Scotland Transerv has identified the M74 between Hamilton and Douglas as a particular hotspot for deer strikes.

Isla Davidson, Scotland Transerv’s senior environmental specialist, said:“deer are often more mobile at two particular times each year. In May and June, young deer disperse from breeding grounds to search for new territory of their own.

“Meanwhile, October and November is the rutting season for the larger deer species (red deer, fallow and sika), when adult males challenge each other for breeding rights. Deer are particularly active around sunrise and sunset which, at this time of year, coincides with the peak commuter time when there are likely to be more vehicles on the road.

“Their darker winter coats make deer particularly difficult to spot, so please be extra vigilant as they can appear without warning out of the fields and woodland that border much of the region’s road network.”

Drivers should not assume a deer will move, and make sure they can stop safely if it doesn’t. Nominations are being sought for NHS Lanarkshire’s annual staff awards.

Patients, visitors and staff have the opportunity to nominate staff and volunteers for the care that they provide.

Go to www. nhslanarkshire.org.uk before December 31.