Red squirrels receive government backing in the war with grey squirrels

On a visit to the Borders yesterday, environment minister Stewart Stevenson warned that while the endangered animal was at "particular risk" from the spread of the pox virus carried by grey squirrels - he was confident that action could be taken to prevent the demise of the species.

Mr Stevenson met staff involved in the Red Squirrel South of Scotland project, which aims to stop the pox virus affecting and killing off red squirrels.

Scotland is one of the UK's last red squirrel strongholds - with the south of the country seen as being on the frontline of conservation efforts to protect the animals.

The minister said that the work being carried out in southern Scotland was an excellent example of the public and private sectors working together in "pushing back grey squirrels". He said: "It is very impressive to see this work to support our red squirrel population in action.

"Creating a barrier across the Scottish Borders against the squirrel pox virus is vitally important to halt the spread of this disease carried by grey squirrels across the rest of Scotland.

"The Red Squirrel South of Scotland project is an excellent example of public and private sectors working in partnership to maintain red squirrel populations by pushing back grey squirrels to encourage red squirrels returning to their native habitat." He added that the Scottish Government was committed to working with groups running schemes to protect the habitats of the country's red squirrels.

"I am confident that we can ensure many more generations to come will be able to enjoy the sight of red squirrels by preserving Scotland as one of the few habitats remaining in the UK for this species," he said.

"The red squirrel is at particular risk in the Borders from the squirrel pox virus carried by greys and it is important we keep this disease at bay."

Mr Stevenson also inspected environmental work on the River Tweed and carbon-neutral efforts in Moffat, where another series of schemes are being run to protect the red squirrel population from extermination.He praised the work being done by the Tweed Forum on the River Tweed on issues such as "pollution control, natural flood management and control of invasive non-native species" as "vital to the preservation of local biodiversity" and the environment.

Work is also being carried out to dramatically reduce environmentally harmful emissions through the Moffat Carbon Approaching Neutral (CAN) project in Dumfries and Galloway.

Mr Stevenson said: "The work of the 'Zero Heroes' in Moffat is proving invaluable in reducing carbon emissions through both its innovative food growing, waste and recycling projects and raising awareness and influencing behaviour of local people."

Mr Stevenson was particularly interested in taking an opportunity to see Scotland's first aquaponics greenhouse.