IN THE NEWS

A ferry operator which operates around Scotland has recruited a dedicated wildlife officer.

Andy Gilbert will help educate crew and passengers onboard CalMac ferries about marine life around the west coast.

The appointment follows four years of work by the ferry firm and wildlife charity Orca, monitoring mammals like whales and dolphins in the Minch.

Scotland’s new Hebridean Whale Trail highlights places to spot the mysterious creatures and other sealife, while surrounded by some of the UK’s wildest scenery

Candy-striped Eilean Glas lighthouse stands picture perfect on a rocky outcrop on the eastern tip of Scalpay island in the Outer Hebrides. The path that leads here over peaty ground feels bouncy, crossing grass left luminous by recent rain, with patchwork heather and scattered lochans reflecting a cloud-scudded sky. Wild-looking shaggy sheep graze, undeterred

Ferry operator CalMac has seconded a full time ORCA wildlife officer to help educate crew and passengers about marine life across the west coast.

CalMac has been partnering with wildlife charity ORCA for four years monitoring mammals in the Minch and the two organisations are now working together to expand their conservation work next summer.

Andy Gilbert has spent decades pursuing his passion for wildlife and conservation first as a volunteer, and most recently as an ORCA wildlife officer in both the Bay of Biscay and in the Hebrides aboard the MV Loch Nevis. He will be bringing his experience to the west coast in 2018, working as a full-time conservation expert across the CalMac fleet.

Organised by Exeter March Against the Badger Cull, and supported by national wildlife charities Care for the Wild and the Badger Trust, the event welcomes people of all ages to take part in a walk through the town centre. Speakers will include leading anti-cull spokesperson Dominic Dyer, Jean Berry from Gloucestershire Against Badger Shooting, and wildlife campaigner Steve Tomlin.

Andy Gilbert, joint organiser, said he expected people from across the West Country to join the peaceful day of action.