Red squirrels' time 'running out'

Dec 8 2008

There is only a short time to save Scotland's native red squirrels from the brink of extinction, environment minister Mike Russell warned.

Mr Russell said red squirrels were one of the country's "most beautiful and valuable species". But the creatures are threatened by increasing numbers of grey squirrels in the north of Scotland.

Mr Russell learned more about a new project to be launched next year, which aims to halt the expansion of they grey squirrel into the area. The £1.45 million Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels project aims to push grey squirrels back along key routes into the north.