Pensioner fined for destroying bat roost and wild bird nest

A pensioner has been fined after admitting destroying a bat roost and a wild bird nest in Dunblane.

David Kerr, 74, admitted the offences at Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday and was fined £740.

The incident happened on 12 June, 2020, when a building was being demolished on the Glassingall estate.

Wildlife crime officer Laura Robertson said: “Bats and their roosts are legally protected. It is an offence to disturb a bat in a roost or to damage or obstruct a roost, even if there is no bat in the roost at the time.

“Likewise, it is an offence to destroy, damage, take, obstruct or interfere with any kind of wild bird nest while it is being built or in use.

“Police Scotland takes all wildlife crime seriously and the public has an important role in helping us to investigate offences of this nature.

“I would urge anyone who suspects a wildlife crime has been committed to contact us on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.”