Liam McArthur, the MSP for Orkney, has welcomed the news that funding has been secured for a new project designed to safeguard Orkney’s natural environment.

The Orkney Native Wildlife Project, led by Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB, announced today that it will receive £3.5 million of funding from the National Lottery and £2.6 million of funding from LIFE. This will allow work to ensure that Orkney’s wildlife is protected from non-native invasive species, such as stoats.

Commenting on the announcement Mr McArthur said:

“Orkney’s native wildlife is internationally significant and part of what makes our islands so special.  The threat posed by non-native species such as stoats, therefore, should not be under-estimated.

“I welcome the funding that has been secured to help safeguard Orkney’s native wildlife and raise awareness of our unique natural environment.  I wish all those involved with this ambitious project, both staff and volunteers, well over the coming five years”.   

ENDS.