Thousands have signed a petition to protect the future of wallabies living on an island in Loch Lomond.
More than 25,000 people have backed calls for government legislation to save the species living on Inchconnachan island amid concerns they could be culled as part of a new development.
The wallabies were brought to the island from Australia in the 1940s by Fiona Bryde Colquhuon, later Lady Arran.
There are only seven of the animals left on the island, according to heat mapping.
New owners, radio presenter Kirsty Young and her husband Nick Jones, bought the island after it went on sale in 2020 for a reported fee of £1.5million and pledged to restore the island's environment and make it a "world class visitor experience".
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority are now currently reviewing plans, which include a three bedroom, two storey timber lodge and jetty.
Outlining their vision in a planning document, the developers say: “The island is a beautiful and sensitive place, well protected for its historic woodlands, habitat and natural beauty but it is in a declining poor condition and under growing pressure from an increasing number of visitors, anti-social behaviour and grazing herbivores.
“We believe a bold, high-quality, comprehensive, sustainable and committed long-term plan is required to reverse the declining condition of the woodlands and to make this island world class, both in terms of its habitat and visitor experience.”
Campaigners have warned the future of the marsupials there is in jeopardy as planning documents suggested the wallabies are an invasive species.
The petition read: "The wallabies have great historic, social and cultural significance, they are adored by locals and tourists alike, with many boat trips in the area having the chance of seeing the wallabies as their star attraction. Many tourists visit the local area simply to see these wonderful marsupials bringing economic benefits to the area."
NatureScot, a public body responsible for Scotland's natural heritage, will be working with the new owners.
A spokeswoman said: “We are discussing with the new owners of Inchconnachan how best to protect and enhance this specially-designated woodland habitat, while looking at the impact of herbivores and invasive, non-native species on the island."
Sunax Ltd has been contacted for comment.
