TWO Scottish regions have been named among the last places in the UK to see the red squirrel by The Telegraph.
Discussing these areas, the newspaper said: "When Beatrix Potter published her second book, The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, in 1903, she couldn’t have foreseen the future awaiting her beloved red squirrels.
"But less than 30 years previously, North American grey squirrels had been introduced as novelties into the grounds of certain English stately homes. The bushy-tailed reds that inspired Potter’s storytelling quickly went on the retreat.
"They have since been all but lost from England and Wales. Things are less dire in Scotland and Ireland; even in these strongholds, invasive greys are on the march. Our populations of native reds are clinging on by their claws."
See the two Scottish regions named among the last places in the UK to see the red squirrel
The "stronghold" of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Arran were named among the last places in the UK to see the red squirrel.
Introducing the Highlands, The Telegraph said: "Scotland and its Highlands are the red squirrels’ UK stronghold.
"There are plenty on the Monzie Estate, near Crieff in Perthshire, where they can be seen from all guest accommodations.
"Just-renovated Gardener’s Cottage, surrounded by woodland, is the top pick (from £175 per night; two-night minimum stay, monzieestate.com). Or try The Dell, on the edge of Abernethy Forest in wildlife-rich Cairngorms National Park (cottages from £160 per night, thedellofabernethy.co.uk)."
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The Isle of Arran was also named with the publication writing: "Protected by the sea, red squirrels still thrive on the Isle of Arran.
"Sightings are best in woodlands such as Glenashdale Forest, but they’re just as likely in the gardens of hotels and B&Bs. Stay in several on a seven-night, self-guided coastal walking holiday (from £855pp, macsadventure.com)."
Other places in the UK were named such as the Isle of Wight and the Lake District in England.
