Barriers installed to protect otters

Reflective barriers have been installed in a Stirlingshire village which will allow otters and other wildlife to cross the road safely.

The installation in Killin follows the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) saying road deaths were the reason otters in the UK have a shorter lifespan than those in other countries.

The project, led by Environmental Action Killin (EAK), was supported by Stirling Council and Robertson Civil Engineering, which installed the barriers on the A827, which is “notorious” for otter fatalities.

Rosemary Third, of EAK, said the steps were taken after the deaths of two otters on the stretch of road near Acharn. She said: “Following the loss of a healthy female adult otter earlier in the year, the second in the same area, we decided to take action to help ensure this beautiful, iconic species is protected for generations to come. In the past their population has been decimated by hunting, habitat loss, disturbance, use of pesticides and pollution - now the greatest threat comes from our roads. I very much hope this successful project leads the way in inspiring future partnerships between businesses and conservation groups.”