|
A new drink has been created by the Arran Brewery to help efforts to protect red squirrels on the island.
Part of the proceeds from sales of the Red Squirrel Ale will be donated to conservation projects designed to help the endangered mammals.
Arran is considered to be a stronghold for red squirrels, which have been threatened by competition and a disease carried by non-native greys.
Gerald Michaluk, managing director of the brewery, said: ‘One penny from every bottle of Red Squirrel Ale sold will go to the Red Squirrel Action group for the conservation of these animals.
‘The beauty of the scheme is that it is ongoing, and could go on for years to come. Anyone who is interested in doing any red squirrel projects like a school, for example, can apply to us for funding through this initiative.’
A photograph of a red squirrel taken by local amateur photographer Arthur (Toosh) Duncan was chosen to appear on the label.
The idea behind the beer came from Conservative Westminster candidate Philip Lardner in October last year as part of his ongoing campaign to protect the animals.
Mr Lardner pointed out that it is an offence to release a grey squirrel into the wild anywhere in Britain and it is vital that they do not reach Arran.
‘People should take the utmost care that they do not accidentally carry grey squirrels to Arran in loads of wood, straw or other materials,’ he said. ‘It’s thought that this is how they got to the Highlands, and took the squirrel pox virus with them — it is harmless to the Greys but fatal to the Reds.’
Struan Stevenson MEP was at the brewery in Cladach on Saturday to officially launch the beer.
- Road closed signs 'only for tourists'
- Road fatalities on the increase
- Murray's digger buried in Goatfell peat bog
- The sinking of HMS Dasher
- Hidden hazard of new seafront walkway
- Watch out, there's a red squirrel about
- Western Ferries' new Arran vessel on the dra...
- Cliff rescue for stricken Edinburgh holiday...
- Operation Caledonian Sunset for Arran ferry
- Dog walker makes a stink
