SNH renews stoat appeal

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is urging members of the public to contact them with any information regarding stoat sightings in Orkney.

According to operations manager of SNH for Orkney, Gail Churchill there has been an increased number of reported sightings of the animals in recent months. So far this year SNH has received 21 reports of the presence of stoats, compared with 14 in 2012 and 20 in 2011.

Ms Churchill said that SNH would like to gather more information on the whereabouts of the animals, which can cause significant dangers to birds and other wildlife, in the county.

Ms Churchill commented that it would be useful if anybody who spots a stoat could contact the SNH Kirkwall office on 875302 or email North@snh.gov.uk with the date, time and location of the sighting.

A recent incident near the airport saw a cat find and kill a stoat, while reports of the presence of the species in the Wideford Hill, Hobbister and Waulkmill areas have all been recorded.