RSPB Scotland are inviting people to one of their nature reserves not just to see the birds but red squirrels as well.

The wildlife charity is organising a dedicated red squirrel watching project at Loch Garten Nature reserve to allow people to see the animals up close.

Abernethy National Nature Reserve in the Cairngorms contains the largest area of native Caledonian pinewood in the UK and this habitat is ideal for red squirrels and a range of other woodland wildlife.

Chris Tyler, RSPB Scotland Loch Garten information officer, said: "Many people in the UK are used to seeing grey squirrels in parks and gardens, but the native red is usually far more elusive. 

"The forest at Loch Garten is part of the largest remaining part of the ancient pine forest of Caledonia, so to see red squirrels here truly is special." 

"As well as being a lovely spectacle for people to enjoy, we're really hopeful that this project will help raise awareness about the red squirrel and the wider wildlife of our woodlands.  The scenery at the moment is spectacular with snow on the hills and winter giving way slowly to spring in the forest - but the wildlife really is the star of the show."  

The Scottish Government recently announced a cull of grey squirrels in the north of Scotland to try and protect the native red squirrel.

In the past loss of habitat contributed to the decline of red squirrel populations but now the main threat is the increase in grey squirrel numbers.

The grey squirrels are larger and more aggressive than the native animals and carry the squirrel pox virus which is fatal to reds but not the greys.