Red squirrels expand across Highlands after 10-year reintroduction drive

Rewilding charity helps bolster Scottish stronghold of species that once came close to extinction in UK

Red squirrels have expanded their range across the Highlands by more than a quarter after a 10-year reintroduction programme moved hundreds to new homes.

The species once came close to extinction in Britain when foresters killed them as pests and their natural habitat was destroyed. A deadly virus carried by invasive grey squirrels has hampered their recovery.