Red Squirrel Survey - Please Help Us

One of Gillies Hill’s open secrets is that it has for a long time been a sanctuary for red squirrels, a species whose Latin name, sciurus vulgaris, is today ironic: that vulgaris, once implied how ‘common’ – numerous – they were: sadly, no longer the case. As an expert visiting the Hill recently said, “These days, the red squirrel's future is far from certain.”

And, should quarrying recommence there, this already endangered and attractive species would be under even greater threat. By nature red squirrels are solitary creatures and thrive best when living in a large, quiet territory. And the large quiet area likely to be quarried is – more irony – one part of the Hill where many sightings have been made.

However, as part of Save Gillies Hill’s dialogue with those who will ultimately decide whether quarrying goes ahead, we need as many details of sightings as possible, something not always easy, given the passage of time. Yet, if you have seen a red squirrel on the Gillies Hill – or, equally useful, on the surrounding countryside, etc – please record the details, as best you can, below. And, if you can’t recall everything, put in what you can. If you have any Photos of the sighting then these would be especially welcome and you can attach them to the form below or alternatively email them to ptpaterson@hotmail.co.uk, or by mail to:

P. Paterson, 1Thomson Place, Cambusbarron, Stirling FK7 9PE

If you prefer you can download or print off the form and post it to the above address,
Thank you for your help. (click here to download form (PDF))