A north-east politician has stepped up to defend one of Scotland’s fastest declining species.
Labour MSP Lewis MacDonald has pledged he will fight to protect the curlew, Europe’s biggest wading bird.
Members of the Scottish Parliament can lend their support to Scotland’s threatened animals and wildlife by becoming a “Species Champion” in a scheme launched last year by Scottish Environment LINK’s wildlife forum.
Mr MacDonald said: “Championing any species is a serious business, most especially when it is such a distinctive bird as the curlew.
“Protecting such species and habitats is vital to the kind of Scotland which will be enjoyed by future generations.”
The north-east MSP also praised conservation charity RSPB, which works with north-east farms to monitor wading birds such as the curlew.
“I would pay tribute to the tireless work of conservationists and the RSPB, and I am delighted that we have farmers and landowners in the north-east who appreciate the value of protecting the places which these species need to thrive.
“I look forward to supporting these initiatives in the years ahead.”