Highland Red Squirrels Given Their Own `Big Brother' Style House

Visitors to the Highland community of Foyers on the side of Loch Ness can now get an inside view into the home life of the local red squirrel population thanks to purpose built nesting boxes kitted out with CCTV cameras.

The 'squirrel cam' initiative is the first of its kind in the country and has been installed as part of the See Red Highland Partnership's conservation and education programme to help generate awareness of the species that thrives in the woodland habitat around Foyers.

Images from the discrete cameras observe the squirrels' every move and provide a rare and valuable insight to their domestic habits for visitors, locals and wildlife experts alike.  The images are beamed to a display monitor in the aptly named, neighbouring Red Squirrel Cafe - adjacent to the Foyers Post Office.  The camera images can be moved via a joystick in the cafe allowing viewers the opportunity to explore and investigate the nesting boxes as desire.

The specially created 'big brother' style homes have been created in partnership with See Red Highland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Highland Council, Highland Red Squirrel Group and the local post master and cafe owner, Tim McCormack.

Launching the squirrel cameras, Bob Dunsmore, Forestry Commission Scotland, enthused;

"This is an excellent addition to the community of Foyers.  The cameras provide a rare opportunity to get a close look at the daily lives of red squirrels and act as a superb educational resource for all to enjoy.  Forestry Commission Scotland is pleased to be part of such a worthwhile project which will not only raise awareness about the red squirrel habitats in the Highlands but also attract many new visitors to Foyers over the summer months."

Aird and Loch Ness Highland Councillor, Drew Hendry, who is Chairman of The Highland Council's Planning, Environment and Development Committee, added;

"This will be a real treat for anyone with an interest in our wildlife and a wonderful natural attraction for the area.  It is just the type of nature initiative we need to see more of and will be an invaluable learning aid for our children.  The Highland Council is delighted to have taken part in this project."

The community has welcomed the new attraction and pupils from the local schools are using the facility as part of their on-going wildlife education lessons.  The schools are working closely with See Red Highland on a variety of projects and sending groups of children on a regular basis to view the squirrels.  Much of the pupils' creative artwork about the squirrels' domestic life is on display at the Red Squirrel Cafe.

For further information about See Red Highland and the Highland Red Squirrel Group visit www.highlandredsquirrel.co.uk