Stirling Observer

Signs plan in a bid to save red squirrels

- CHRIS MARZELLA

Approval has been granted to erect signs warning drivers of the danger of red squirrels on a rural road.

In March this year, the Stirling Observer told how there was an attempt to try and curb speeding on a rural road in a bid to save the red squirrel population there.

Tom Bowser, owner of Argaty Red Kites, located at Lerrocks Farm, called for a deterrent put in place to save the small mammals from passing traffic.

In the previous 18 months, 14 red squirrels died, 13 of which had been found by the roadside leading up to the visitor attraction.

However, a Stirling Council study found no evidence of cars speeding along the route and determined the road was unsuitable for traffic calming measures that can be provided in an urban setting, as legislatio­n prohibited the use of road humps in areas with no street lighting.

In May, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said that the Scottish Government had approved official road signs warning road users of the presence of red squirrels for a number of locations across Scotland and would back similar applicatio­ns at other locations considered appropriat­e.

He added: “Considerat­ion will also be given to incorporat­ing these signs into a future amendment of the Traffic Signs Regulation­s and General Directions, removing the need for authorisat­ion.”

Now Transport Scotland says it has given the thumbs up to the request by Stirling Council for signage. A spokespers­on said: “We have approved a request from Stirling Council for the use of general warning signs on their road network to improve road safety by raising awareness of areas with a red squirrel population. Similar requests have previously been authorised for other local authoritie­s.”

A general warning sign is a red triangle with exclamatio­n mark and, in this case, it will also have a red squirrel plate. Stirling Council initially sought approval for a new warning sign with a squirrel picture in it, but this was declined.

Trossachs and Teith councillor­s, Martin Earl and Evelyn Tweed, as well as Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford all backed the calls for signage at the location. M r Crawford said: “I’m pleased Scottish Ministers have taken the view that non-prescribed signs can be used to help protect the red squirrels.

“Reports of red squirrel deaths in the area are upsetting and we have to do what we can to protect the species.

“I look forward to the signs being introduced to let drivers know to take care on the road and to watch out for red squirrels.”

Red squirrel population­s have seriously declined, with only around 120,000 in Scotland today. In some places they have not been seen for many years.

For 22 years Argaty Red Kites has provided a safe haven for red kites. Now they want to help re-establish the iconic red squirrel.

Red squirrels are under threat in Scotland due to the spread of non–native grey squirrels which carry the fatal squirrelpo­x virus. It infects red squirrels and can cause them to die a slow painful death over a two-week period.

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 ??  ?? Safety call Tom Bowser and, inset, Bruce Crawford MSP welcomed the move
Safety call Tom Bowser and, inset, Bruce Crawford MSP welcomed the move

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