Ullapool pupils' SOS (Save Our Squirrels) set to reach thousands

AN SOS (Save Our Squirrels) appeal is set to reach thousands of passengers using a Wester Ross ferry link thanks to the efforts of Ullapool schoolchildren concerned about the welfare of the bushy tailed charmers.

Primary schoolchildren devised posters asking drivers to slow down south of Ullapool following the death of two in a single week on the road.

Traffic Scotland backed the pupils by putting out warning signs and now Caledonian MacBrayne has got on board with the effort, inviting some of the children to put up their posters appealing to drivers disembarking at Ullapool to take heed.

Not only did they get to deliver their posters, but Captain Lewis Mackenzie took time out of his busy day to give them a personal tour of the Loch Seaforth Ullapool-Stornoway ferry.

The red squirrels were relocated to the north-west coast in an effort to save them from extinction due to non-native grey squirrels and disease affecting them elsewhere in Scotland and the UK.

The Highlands are one of the few parts of the country where they are safe from invasive greys and hopes remain high that road signs and posters will help. A rope bridge might also be put in place to ensure the as yet small population are given a chance to establish and thrive in the area.

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