The ale will be officially launched on Thursday

A new drink has been created by a Scottish brewery to help efforts to protect red squirrels.

Part of the proceeds from sales of Red Squirrel Ale will be donated to the Dingwall-based Highland Red Squirrel Group (HRSG).

The Highlands are considered a stronghold for the mammals, which has been threatened by competition and a disease carried by non-native greys.

The ale has been made by Atlas Brewery in Kinlochleven.

I hope there will be plenty of people asking for a pint of Red Squirrel Ale and a bag of nuts Ian Collier HRSG chairman

HRSG said it has been estimated that only 160,000 red squirrels are left in the UK.

Loss of habitat has been identified as another factor in their demise.

Thursday’s launch of the ale coincides with Red Squirrel Week from 4-12 October.

BBC News