A careful approach will help avoid disturbance of wildlife

With the bird breeding season well underway and livestock out in the fields, RSPB Scotland are reminding dog owners that their dogs must be kept under close control when out walking.

Sarah Sankey, RSPB Conservation Officer for Orkney, said: “Dogs allowed to roam freely, especially during the breeding season, can cause ground-nesting and other birds to leave the nest, resulting in loss of clutches and broods. Even dogs wandering in and out of verges can cause significant disturbance and loss.”

According to the RSPB there have been a spate of reports from residents and tourists about dogs running out of control on nature reserves, beauty spots and on farmland.